Did you know that prescription medication costs around 34.3 billion in Canada? Between 2021 and 2023, experts predict
prescription drug spending will increase by 0.4 percent.
Have you wondered how minoxidil
works and if you can afford this common medication? Ordering minoxidil in Canada
generally requires a physician's prescription.
To better understand how minoxidil
works, we have put together a complete guide that will go over its
mechanism of action, side effects, and how much it will cost. Keep
reading on for more information!
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Table of contents:
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a generic prescription medication. Some of its dosages
cannot be found over-the-counter. You may also have heard of Rogaine, which includes minoxidil as its active ingredient. Minoxidil is an
antihypertensive agent and helps vasodilate blood vessels.
It has been FDA-approved and used by physicians since 1986.
How Minoxidil Works
Minoxidil's mechanism of action is similar to Rogaine's. Medical
experts found that minoxidil becomes activated in the liver.
It opens potassium channels in cells, resulting in cellular
hyperpolarization. In return, smooth muscles relax, resulting in
dilated blood vessels. In tablet forms, systemic reactions are more noticeable, including
liver damage if misused.
Topical solutions have fewer systemic side effects and help vasodilate
your scalp's blood vessels. This process facilitates improved blood flow
and nutrients to your hair follicles.
How Long Does Minoxidil Take to Work?
Considering minoxidil before and after
usage, approximately 92% of patients reported success using minoxidil
(or Rogaine) after one year. Unfortunately, it can take a while before
you start seeing results.
Most people saw improvements after four to six months. The first few
weeks can cause an increase in hair loss. Don't give up quite yet! This is a normal process and stabilizes
after eight weeks.
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How To Use Minoxidil
Minoxidil used for scalp and hair loss typically comes in a topical
form. There are options for solutions or foams, and most minoxidil dosages
range from two to five percent. Before applying, you should ensure your
scalp is clean.
Medical experts recommend avoiding topical minoxidil
with these skin conditions:
-
Scalp psoriasis
-
Seborrheic dermatitis
-
Active scalp infection
If you have recently shaved your scalp, you should also exercise
caution. Here is a general rule of thumb on how to apply
minoxidil:
-
Use one-millimetre solution
-
Place on the center of your affected scalp area
-
Avoid washing hair for four hours
-
Repeat twice per day
The five percent solution is stronger and shows more promising results,
but it may not be for everyone. Your doctor may likely want to start on
two percent and increase as needed.
Read more: Mixing Minoxidil And Alcohol
Are Minoxidil and Rogaine the Same?
In short - yes. Minoxidil and Rogaine
include the same active ingredient, dosages, and mechanism of action. The only difference is they are
sold under two different brands.
Rogaine is the brand-name version, while minoxidil is the generic
version. The only difference is that you may find slight changes with
inactive ingredients.
These slight changes give tablets different colours and can increase
your chances of allergic reactions to one product versus the
other.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Minoxidil's side effects
are somehow similar to Rogaine's. If you use the product correctly, it should be fairly mild or
nonexistent. Here are some typical minoxidil topical side effects:
-
Changes in hair color
-
Changes in hair texture
Minoxidil tablets may cause more systemic side effects such as
lethargy, dizziness, and nausea. Take minoxidil warnings
seriously and if you start experiencing an allergic reaction like hives
or swelling, talk to your doctor immediately. Like other medications,
minoxidil comes with more serious side effects,
including:
-
Tachycardia
-
Unwanted facial hair growth
-
Rapid weight gain
-
Tingling
-
Extreme scalp irritation
To minimize serious side effects, use minoxidil
only as prescribed and talk to your physician about other medications
you take.
How Much Does Minoxidil Cost?
Minoxidil is usually not covered by insurance when used on your scalp.
Yet, if you purchase minoxidil out-of-pocket, save your receipt and
submit it to your insurance just in case. Insurance coverage varies, and
it could save you money in the long run.
Another way you can save on minoxidil costs
is by purchasing the generic versus brand name version. Generic drugs
can cost almost 70% less than brand-name versions.
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Finding Solutions to Hair Loss
Minoxidil works as an antihypertensive and vasodilator drug. It can
help bring nutrients to your scalp, helping hair follicle repair and
growth.
In order to get the best results from minoxidil (Rogaine), you need to
be patient and persistent. It takes a while for minoxidil to work, and
you see the result.
Remember, a while after you stop using minoxidil, the hair loss will
resume.
