New study compares oral finasteride to 5% topical minoxidil
For years now the two only FDA approved drugs for treating hair loss, Finasteride 1mg (known as Propecia) and Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine), have been what most people use as the core parts of their hair loss treatment regimen. These two drugs, combined, are considered the "dynamic duo" because they treat hair loss in different ways, and are therefore thought to complement each other.
A common question asked by people who are considering using either or both of these treatments is, which one is more effective? A recent study done on 65 men by the Department of Dermatology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, School of Medicine in Etlik-Ankara, Turkey, sheds some light on this topic and attempts to answer this question. Read the abstract: Minoxidil vs. Propecia Comparison.
Interesting points from this study:
80% of the oral Finasteride users in this study saw increased intensity of hair (I am assuming this means regrowth).
52% of the topical Minoxidil users in this study saw increased intensity of hair.
The conclusion of the study follows:
"In this comparative study of systemic finasteride and topical minoxidil, it was concluded that both drugs were effective and safe in the treatment of mild to severe AGA, although oral finasteride treatment was more effective (p < 0.05). Adverse events were not considered important either, and these side effects disappeared as soon as the treatment was stopped."
So there you have it. It appears that Finasteride (Propecia) is more effective that topical Minoxidil 5%. If you don't want to use both, but you want the best chances of preventing further hair loss and perhaps growing some lost hair, then Propecia is probably your drug of choice. In my opinion, both should be used to get even better results.
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