Thursday, December 6, 2012

Propecia and hair loss as a side effect of drugs

We often set off around the world for these articles because there's useful research being conducted in every major country. Hair loss is not just an American problem. All men are at risk. This time, we find ourselves in the University of Melbourne, Australia - one of these islands in the southern hemisphere. They have been carefully going through all the different types of medication on the market and rating them in terms of their side effects. For these purposes, their research is not limited to the regulatory authorities. Perhaps daringly, they have been collecting information directly from doctors and hospitals. The results are a fascinating insight into all the different ways in which drugs can affect people's hair. Not only do some drugs cause hair to fall out, others turn curly hair straight and change the color. These changes are not necessarily immediate which is why they were not recorded in the drug trials. Many of the effects took up to one year to appear.

Insofar as there's good news, most of the changes were reversible. But if you find changes to your hair, and you are or have been taking different types of drugs, talk to your doctor before jumping to conclusions. Even if you think you can see the fatal M shape emerging, this can be a false sign. In particular, do not stop taking any of your current drugs. After discussion with your regular physician, a change to another drug may see your hair grow back. In a way this research confirms something we've always known but never wanted to admit. That our doctors and research scientists have only a general understanding of why men lose their hair. That's what makes diagnosis so difficult.

Always remember, Propecia is a drug with its own side effects and these are effects you would prefer not to experience. All drugs come with benefits and side effects. In every case, you have to weigh the risks before you take the decision. Always eliminate other drugs as the cause before you begin taking Propecia.

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