Finasteride and Minoxidil are two popular hair loss treatments available in the market. Both are pharmaceutical medications, available either as prescription medicine or as part of treatments in most countries. Both medicines are said to be effective at preventing hair loss, but with their own set of disadvantages.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is an element found in Propecia, a medication taken for hair treatment and to overturn the effects of male pattern baldness.

Finasteride was originally developed to treat patients who are suffering from enlarged prostate glands, but, later it was discovered that it also stimulates hair growth as a side effect, which brought it to the market for hair treatment.

Side Effects of Finasteride

The medicine is known for having side effects that can be dangerous for your health. Please stop taking the medicine and see your doctor, if any of the other side effects listed in below happen to you:

• Depression and Anxiety
• Breast tissue growth
• Change in mental status
• Decreased testicular volume
• Change in penile curvature or size
• Decreased sex drive
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Ejaculatory disorders
• Impotence
• Insomnia
• Low blood pressure
• Nose irritation
• Passing out or lightheadedness
• Swelling

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is an element found in Rogaine, a topical solution used as a treatment for hair replacement, to treat baldness. Minoxidil was exclusively used as an oral drug to treat high blood pressure, but it was found effective in reversing baldness, and it has an interesting side effect on hair growth.

Side effects of Minoxidil

There is often an initial period of paradoxical increased hair loss when a person starts using Minoxidil. Disturbing as that may be, other known side effects and issues are of Minoxidil include:

• Dandruff
• Skin irritation
• Itchy scalp, because of the product's alcohol content
• Irregular or fast heartbeat, Headaches, blurred vision and chest pain
• Can cause facial hair growth
• Irritation and dryness of the skin
• Sexual problems
• Swelling of the lips and face
• Decreased libido
• Breast tenderness and enlargement

Disadvantages of Using These Medicines for Hair Loss:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding- Women should not take these medicines if they are pregnant because it can cause birth defects. There can be negative effects on your health, if you become pregnant or are breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
• There are chances that the medicines may not work and moreover, you should not expect to regrow a full head of hair.
• You must take medicine every day. If you stop, any regrown hair will start falling out if you stop in between and you will have the same amount of hair that had earlier.
• The medicines are costly.
• It generally takes from a few months to a year before you see results.

Other Side Effects

No matter how many people are using these medicines for treating hair loss problems, both the medicines have dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects. Contact your doctor if you find any of the following symptoms while taking in these medicines:

• Harsh skin rash or changes
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing or throat swelling
• Jaundice or yellow skin
• Severe fatigue or weakness

Conclusion

Studies have shown the severe effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil in treating baldness. The surveys showed that both drugs are ineffective and unsafe as a treatment for mild to severe baldness and hair loss. Looking at the side effects, it’s essential to be careful and cautious. The best option is to go for hair replacement in Bangalore (or a location of your preference, we have our studios located in 9 locations across India) that has been successful just like treatments offered by Advanced Hair Studio.