Avacor

Avacor is the brand name of a line of products designed for both men and women to treat hair loss. The entire Avacor brand is marketed as a baldness treatment; however, Avacor's physician's topical formula is the only Avacor product containing the FDA approved drug minoxidil, proven to regrow hair. [http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/anda/2001/75-839_Minoxidil.pdf] Avacor's topical solution for men consists of 5% Minoxidil; [http://www.avacor.com/?ID=2] Avacor's topical solution for women consists of 2% Minoxidil.

ide effects of Minoxidil

As a drug to combat hair loss, the most common side effect is itchy scalp. In some cases Minoxidil may initially cause an increase in hair loss.

There have been cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil or the non-active ingredient propylene glycol which is found in some forms of the topical version, such as Rogaine. Large amounts of minoxidil can cause hypotension, and it has been found that using petroleum jelly or tretinoin on the scalp with minoxidil can cause too much of the drug absorption by the scalp, as can using the drug on sunburned scalps.

If a person uses minoxidil to stop hair loss for a length of time and then stops taking the drug, hair loss will occur again.

Other side effects include:
* acne on the area where it is being used as a topical solution
* headaches and/or lightheadedness
* very low blood pressure
* irregular or fast heart beat
* blurred vision
* chest pain

All the side effects in the above list except for acne may be an indicator that too much of the drug is being used.

It has also been found that the drug can be passed from a mother to a child via breast milk.

Other FDA Approved Hair Loss Treatments

The only other FDA approved hair loss treatment is Finasteride, whose drug trade names include Propecia and Proscar. In a study on the effectiveness of the various treatments for hair loss, it has been shown that the combination of topical Minoxidil and Finasteride produced better results than using either topical Minoxidil or Finasteride alone. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=12227482]

However, the FDA has determined that Finasteride is not for pregnant women (Finasteride is categorized in pregnancy category X) and in general use, Finasteride may cause the following side effects: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and enlargement; and testicular pain.discharge. [http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/already_taking_propecia.jsp?mtc=3BODY]

ee also

*Baldness
*Baldness treatments
*Dihydrotestosterone
*Minoxidil

External links

* [http://www.avacor.com Avacor website]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viUrUdSrzKA ABC 20/20 exposé of Avacor and other non-prescription hair loss treatments] :(Note: the current status of some information presented is disputed. See for discussion)
* [http://www.hairlosstalk.com/resourcelibrary Links to Minoxidil Studies]