To potential users of Rogaine, the side effects may not seem serious. This is supported by the fact that Rogaine began as a prescription only drug, but since 1996 when the license came up for renewal, the FDA accepted an advisory committee’s recommendation that Rogaine be made available over the counter.
The side effects of Rogaine for most users may be limited to itchy scalp and skin irritation. However, if a person is already taking the drug or has other medical conditions, it is advised to take it to ensure that the side effects of Rogaine do not lead to more serious health problems.
Here is a list of possible side effects of Rogaine:
Unfavorable scalp conditions:
- irritated
- redness
- dryness
- flutter
Some users find that a good anti-dandruff shampoo eases the problem. Users of Rogaine Extra Strength (5%) may wish to supply standard Rogaine (2%) and alternate them during daily application. For example, 2% can be used in the morning and 5% at night.
Changes in blood pressure resulting from:
- increased heart rate
- Pain in chest
- Headache
- unconsciousness
- difficulty breathing
Rogaine contains the drug minoxidil which was originally prescribed to lower blood pressure in patients suffering from high blood pressure. Because minoxidil relaxes blood vessels to ease blood circulation, a small number of users may find that it affects them in the ways described above.
In such cases it is advised to discontinue the use of the medicine and consult your doctor.
increased hair loss
It may seem strange that one of the side effects of Rogaine is hair loss because the purpose of the drug is to stop hair loss and promote new growth.
Although it makes sense when you realize that Rogaine causes changes in the hair follicles so that the weaker hairs are removed before new hairs can grow.
This process of hair loss should not last long. If it persists for more than a month, seek medical advice from your doctor.
greasy hair
Propylene glycol was used in the original formulation which made hair greasy and sticky and difficult to manage. As the hair may already be thinning, weighing it down with Rogaine makes it appear even thinner!
However, Rogaine Foam recently came on the market and seems to have solved the problem. Rogaine Foam is for men only, so women tend to persevere with the 2% version, although it doesn’t make hair as greasy as the extra-strength 5% version.
When evaluating the side effects of Rogaine it is important for potential users to realize that using this drug requires a long-term commitment. Persistence is needed and some recommend using it for six months or so before reaching a conclusion whether it is working for you or not. Twice daily application is very important.
So Rogaine side effects may only result in some head irritation for most users. In other cases, it may be advised not to try this option of hair loss treatment because of its effect on blood circulation. If in doubt, discuss with your doctor any side effects of Rogaine that concern you.
Source by Mike Jones
