Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT August 2005 Congratulations! You have been selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss process and more effectively plan and manage the restoration of your hair. In This Issue: · Propecia versus Dutasteride · Hair Care Products · Give Us Your Feedback · Virtual Hair Restoration Consultation · One-On-One with the Doctor Propecia versus DutasterideHair loss prevention is an ever-growing facet of hair restoration. Sure, surgical hair transplantation can permanently and naturally replace lost hairs, but what is the best protocol for stopping native hairs from thinning and falling out in the first place? There are many factors and many things we can do to help stabilize thinning hairs and to improve overall hair density and growth. From shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for thinning hair to proven natural supplements that stimulate hair growth, halt hair loss and improve hair density. For purposes of this month’s hair restoration report, we’re going to focus on prescription alternatives. And the two most important prescription drugs for combating hair loss are Propecia® (by Merck) and Dutasteride® (by GlaxoSmithKlein). Propecia®Propecia is the only FDA-approved prescription oral drug for fighting hair loss. Rogaine is the only other FDA-approved hair loss product available today, but it is topical and its purpose is distinctly different than Propecia’s. Propecia’s active ingredient is 1mg. of Finasteride. Finasteride is a “DHT-blocker.” It inhibits the formation of DHT by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia is an inhibitor of Type 2 receptors. Propecia has a 5 hour half-life which means half of the medication is gone from the blood stream in 5 hours. 5 hours more, 75% is gone. Five hours more, 87.5% is gone, and so on. Propecia is considered safe and effective and has had years of successful use in millions of men worldwide. Dutasteride®Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for the treatment of hair loss. It is, however, FDA-approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There are certain clinical studies and anecdotal evidence to indicate that Dutasteride is effective at combating hair loss. Dutasteride can be found under the product names Avodart, Dutas, Duprost, Dutagen, and formerly under the names Duagen and Avolve. Dutasteride has a 3 to 8 month half-life which simply means it stays in the blood stream for up to 8 months. Any side effects, therefore, may not go away for a long period of time. And there is data to support that there may be potential side-effects from prolonged use of Dutasteride, effecting the liver, the nervous system and the heart. There are no long term clinical studies on efficacy, safety, side-effects, etc. But the short term studies have concluded that Dutasteride blocks the formation of DHT, like Propecia. But unlike Propecia, Dutasteride is a Type 1 and Type 2 inhibitor. On the surface, that sounds to be a more effective treatment, but there are no conclusive clinical studies that show inhibiting Type 1 and Type 2 receptors yields greater results. Bottom line, Propecia is a proven treatment for hair loss. It has a history of years of safe and successful use. It has passed the stringent requirements of the FDA, and it is prescribed by thousands of doctors every year. Dutasteride, for all its promise, is an unknown. It’s unknown how effective it really is in the long run. It’s unknown how safe it is. It’s unknown if it will ever receive FDA approval for hair restoration. Dr. Sword prescribes Propecia routinely to his patients. The doctor does not prescribe Dutasteride, however, and encourages patients to stick to a proven and safe hair restoration protocol. In our opinion, if you are interested in a prescription drug to help prevent hair loss… Propecia works effectively and safely. Why switch? Best regards, Because the doctor makes the difference 800.242.6900 24520 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 240 Torrance, CA 90505 ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Click here to view our upcoming seminars. Call 1-800-242-6900 for Reservations - By Appointment Only
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