OTC Vs Prescription Hair Loss Treatment

Over-the-counter hair loss treatment

Most over-the-counter drugs are natural remedies with labels and information leaflets that promise radical levels of hair regrowth, but provide very little in reality. Generally speaking, over-the-counter hair loss treatments have no scientific evidence to prove that they can grow hair and have never been clinically tested. When you buy an over-the-counter hair loss treatment, you cannot be guaranteed that what you are promised will occur.

There is one over the counter baldness treatment that is an exception, and in fact was originally a prescription treatment. It is lotion called Rogaine and uses the active ingredient minoxidil. Because it used to be a prescription hair loss treatment, it has undergone considerable clinical testing. More than two-thirds of men using Regaine have experienced good results. It does, however, need to be applied twice daily, every day, to produce results.

Prescription hair loss treatment

Prescription hair loss treatments can guarantee better, more efficient results than most over-the-counter treatments. The reason for this is that if something is bought on prescription, it has undergone clinical testing and received the approval of the MHRA (Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency). If it is approved by this agency, it has been subjected to rigorous clinical trials, and has been assessed and evaluated for side effects and success rates.

The most well known prescription treatment is Propecia (finasteride). It is widely used to reduce hair loss and also promote hair regrowth. Propecia is a prescription medication which means that only a doctor can prescribe it to you. This is another positive reason to choose prescription medication, as it means that you are more likely to be using the right treatment for your particular type of hair loss.

Over-the-counter hair loss treatment vs. prescription hair loss treatment

According to specialists, each individual hair loss case should be considered unique, as different people will respond to different treatments. You may also find one treatment more easy to use than another. Regaine requires twice daily application and this may not be convenient for some men to do. While Propecia is easy to take, some men may feel uncomfortable taking an oral medication. You could also be one of the minority of men who experience certain side effects using either one, which could make either unsuitable for use.

If you’re unsure, the best thing you can do is to consult doctor to get their opinion. They can help to diagnose your type of hair loss and help you to choose a treatment. If it’s inconvenient to talk to your own doctor, you can contact ours or ask ours online. While prescriptions may be more expensive, in some cases they may be better option, as they have by far the highest success rate.