Archive for the ‘Medicine’ Category

The Rumor Mill: Propecia Causes Depression

Sunday, December 23rd, 2007

Whenever a new treatment is released onto the market, there are always rumors about potential side effects. Propecia, an effective oral medicine that treats hair loss, has not been an exception. There have been recent reports that depression is one of the side effects of Propecia.  However, this is not true.   

In clinical trials, there has been no evidence that links depression as a common or even a rare side effect that could occur while taking Propecia.  A clinical trial is a type of study that is designed to better understand if a new medication, like Propecia works and what the possible side effects could be. Depression has not been listed in these studies as a side effect of Propecia.

When a medication like Propecia is approved and a broader group starts to take the medication, then more side effects can arise. This is because more is exposed about the nuances of the medication as it is taken by millions of people for a long period of time. This is the time when more side effects are reported and the rumor mill swirls with false beliefs.

However, it has not been proven at this time that Propecia is linked with depression. Before you start to take Propecia, make sure to talk with your physician. Bring up any concerns that you may have and put the rumor mill to rest. Sometimes new side effects are reported. Make sure to ask your doctor, during the course of your treatment, about any new findings. Propecia is a safe prescription medication that is effective at treating hair loss in men.

Does Propecia Cause You to Gain Weight?

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

Some men have reported concerns about weight that they gained while taking Propecia to treat their hair loss.  However, weight gain is not one of the known side effects in Propecia.  Information that has come from extensive research and clinical trials does not discuss weight gain as a side effect of taking Propecia.  

Even though weight gain was not a reported side effect, if you do notice that you have gained weight while on Propecia, there are steps that you can take. If you experience an unexplained weight gain, it is important that you make sure that you are eating a healthy diet.

It is recommended that you eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and beans. Make sure that you put a limit on the amount of trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, added sugars, and cholesterol that you consume.

Weight gain can be reduced by participating in a physical activity, three to four times a week, for thirty minutes at a time. Also, limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. Alcohol is usually very high in calories. If you take all of these steps and are still experiencing an increase in weight, then you should talk with your doctor.

Propecia is an effective treatment that is used to stop male pattern baldness. There is a less then one percent chance that someone taking Propecia would experience an unexplained weight gain. If you do, then follow the steps mentioned above, and that should prevent any further weight gain from happening.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Physician Before Taking Generic Propecia?

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

The Internet has made it very easy for people to order generic Propecia at discount prices. Before you order generic Propecia, it is important that you ask your doctor the following questions.

1)      Is generic Propecia the right treatment for my hair loss?

2)      Are there any drug interactions or side effects that are directly associated with generic Propecia?

3)      How can I reduce the drug interactions and side effects of generic Propecia?

4)      How does generic Propecia differ from the name brand product manufactured by Merck?

5)      What types of food must be avoided while taking generic Propecia?

For example, soy isoflavones and saw palmetto supplements can interact with Propecia. Also, there have been cases where blood pressure medication can interact with generic Propecia.  For other patients, blood pressure medicine has intensified the impact of Propecia side effects.

If you have been diagnosed with a disease related to the kidneys, you should tell your physician before you start to take generic Propecia. The dosage level may have to be adjusted depending on your age and the state of your current health. 

Usually generic medications often work just as well as the name brands.  However, it is important to check with your Physician before taking any type of medication. Generic Propecia, even when ordered online, requires a prescription from a doctor.

Most doctors are more than happy to prescribe Propecia or another hair loss treatment in order to treat your receding hairline, thinning, or growing bald spot.  Make sure to ask your doctor all of the questions mentioned above. In most cases, generic Propecia is a safe and effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

A Review of Minoxidil

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

With 50% of men plagued with the discomfort of hair loss, there are many products available that treat a receding hairline and thinning hair.  Although there are literally hundreds of options available, few work.  However, the ones that do produce results work effectively in not only stopping, but sometimes reversing the process of hair loss. 

Minoxidil is a topical treatment that is used to treat hair loss. This hair loss treatment is a liquid that is usually found in a pre-mixed solution.  Rogaine is the perfect example of an effective pre-mixed solution that currently uses Minoxidil.  

The Food and Drug Administration has approved consumers to obtain a 2% and 5% prescription of Minoxidil through a propriety company. Both men and women can use this hair loss treatment. Women are more likely to use the higher percentage of Minoxidil solution. Usually, the two percent solution is ineffective in women.

The main ingredient in Minoxidil acts as a stimulant, promoting growth in hair follicles. The 5% topical solution of Minoxidil is the strongest version that has been approved by the FDA, and it can be purchased over-the-counter. If you are just starting to experience hair loss, you may want to try the 2% solution first.

What is In Minoxidil?

Both Rogaine, for men and women, contain Minoxidil as one of the main active ingredients. The solution may also contain 80% alcohol, water, and Propylene Glycol. There are generic and custom solutions that contain different quantities of these main ingredients.

Minoxidil is used to primarily stimulate the regrowth of hair. This treatment does not act as a DHT inhibitor, such as Propecia.  Minoxidil only is responsible for overriding the cause of hair loss, instead of stopping the root cause of hair loss. This is one of the reasons why Minoxidil has not been proven as effective as Propecia. To stop hair loss, one must go to the root of the problem.

What Are The Side Effects of Minoxidil? 

The negative side effects of Minoxidil can be reduced by only applying the product two times a day. People have reported that while using Minoxidil, they have experienced inflammation, redness and itching at the application site. These side effects can be counter-acted with a skin smoothing agent, such as Folligen Lotion, Emu Oil, Tricomin and Aloe Vera.

People who have experienced over-absorption of Minoxidil have complained of chest pain, vision changes, and an irregular or fast heartbeat. Also, women who used the 5% version experienced the growth of unwanted facial hair. If you experiencing any of these more severe side effects, it is important to tell your healthcare provider.

Minoxidil is available without a prescription. It can be applied topically and used simultaneously with other hair loss treatments. Before you apply Minoxidil, it is important that your scalp is dry. After you have applied Minoxidil, you cannot shampoo or shower for four hours. It is also not recommended to use a hair dryer while using Minoxidil.

40% of men who used Minoxidil in clinical trials reported the appearance of hair regrowth. Before you start a hair treatment regime, it is crucial to talk with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you which hair treatment solution or medication may work best for you. In clinical trials, Minoxidil worked best when used with a DHT inhibitor, such as Propecia.

What to Remember When Purchasing Medication Online

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

With the rising costs of prescription pharmaceuticals, many people are turning towards the internet as a tool to affordably purchase their medications. There are several tips that an individual needs to remember when purchasing medication from an online pharmacy. Before you make a purchase from an online pharmacy, you need to make sure that the pharmacy has a reputable reputation.

In some countries, up to 25% of prescriptions purchased online are counterfeit.  Do not let this happen to you. Research an online pharmacy before you purchase your medications. There are several online pharmacies that provide customers with high-quality prescriptions for a terrific price.

How Do I Know if a Pharmacy is Legitimate?

An online pharmacy should have the VIPPS seal of approval; this stands for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. In order for an online pharmacy to obtain this seal, they must be licensed and pass an inspection by the NABP, or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies.

Another way to know if an online pharmacy is legitimate is if the pharmacy is linked with a pharmacy that is “bricks and mortar.”  This means that you could physically visit the pharmacy in the “real world” and “cyberspace.”  The National Consumers League assures consumers that it is safe to purchase prescription medication at this type of online pharmacy.

What about a Pharmacy That Has an On-Site Doctor?

The FDA does not believe that an online survey of your medical history is a substitute for a face-to-face examination.  Without an exam, it is difficult for your doctor to have a complete record of your medication and medical history.  To mitigate this potential harm, ensure that you provide your doctor with the full scope of your medical history and prescriptions.  The more candid you are about your medical history, the more effective an on-site doctor can be. 

Always Have a Prescription Beforehand

It is much safer if you purchase online medications that your healthcare provider has prescribed for you. If you take a prescription medication without the advice of your doctor, you could be at risk for dangerous drug interactions and adverse reactions. Your healthcare provider will know your medical history and the current condition of your health.

It is important that you only buy online medication from a site that requires a prescription. Make sure that the online pharmacy is in good standing and is licensed. It is also beneficial if the online pharmacy has a licensed pharmacist that will be able to answer all of your questions. A reputable online pharmacy should only sell prescriptions that have been approved, researched, and tested.

The Steps to Purchasing Online Medication Successfully

1)      Purchase medication that you have a prescription for already.

2)      Double-check to see if the online company is licensed and in good standing.

3)      Make sure that there is an online pharmacist on hand.

4)      Ensure that the pharmacy has contact information, where you can call them with your questions and concerns. 

5)      The pharmacy should only allow people to purchase medications that are approved for human use.

6)      Review the privacy policy on the website and ensure that you understand it.

7)      Always check with your healthcare provider before taking a new medication.

Purchasing medications online is a very popular, cost-effective, and convenient way to obtain your prescriptions.  No longer do you have to pay exorbitant fees and wait in long longs at the drug store; instead, you can have your medications delivered right to your door – and save money at the same time.  By taking the measures discussed above, you can fill your prescriptions from the comfort of your own home, with your pocketbook thanking you at the same time.