Rogaine (Minoxidil) Timeline for Treating Hair Loss and Side Effects

This question comes from a member of our [tag]Hair Loss[/tag] Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

I recently started a [tag]Rogaine[/tag] ([tag]minoxidil[/tag]) regimen and I’m wondering how long I need to take the medication before experiencing stabilization and new hair growth? Also, what type of side effects are associated with prolonged Rogaine usage? If I stop the treatment, will the new growth and hair loss stabilization disappear?

Most [tag]hair restoration[/tag] experts recommend utilizing preventive [tag]hair loss medications[/tag] (like Rogaine and [tag]Propecia[/tag]) for 6-12 months before judging the efficacy of the treatments. Many believe that 6 months is sufficient, but waiting the full 12 months could be useful if you’re uncertain or want to “play it safe.”

Rogaine (minoxidil) side effects include:

“burning or irritation of the eye, itching, redness or irritation at the treated area, as well as unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body; severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet; side effects of oral minoxidil may include swelling of the face and extremities, rapid and irregular heartbeat.”

(*compiled from several web sources)

From my experience, it seems like most individuals tolerate Rogaine/minoxidil quite well and the most common [tag]side effects[/tag] include some swelling and unexpected [tag]hair growth[/tag].

Finally, stopping stabilizing hair loss medications like Propecia and Rogaine will result in both progression of the previous loss and a shed of all hair regrown during the course of the medication.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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