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It is important to note that only two hair restoration medications have won such approval. Many products are advertised and marketed with a claim for hair restoration, but few have ever been subjected to the clinical trials necessary to prove efficacy and safety.
The U.S. FDA-approved hair restoration medications are:
Minoxidil (Rogaine®)—a topical solution available over-the-counter in 2% and 5% strengths. Minoxidil is effective in some people, moderately effective in some, and ineffective in others. When effective, minoxidil can retard hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Its mechanism of action is not well understood. Best results with minoxidil are often achieved by combining the topical solution with hair restoration surgery.
Finasteride (Propecia®)—an oral medication that treats the root cause of male-pattern hair loss by inhibiting the activity of the hormone responsible for hair loss. Finasteride is available only by prescription. Finasteride is usually not prescribed for women; women who may become pregnant are at risk for a certain type of birth defect in the unborn child. Finasteride works best for early to moderate degrees of hair loss. Men with extensive hair loss are unlikely to have much regrowth. Regrowth associated with finasteride is better over the crown of the scalp than at the frontal receding hairline. When used in conjunction with hair transplantation, finasteride may prevent further hair loss while transplantation fills in areas such as the frontal hairline.