Hair-loss Products

• Sudden or patchy loss of hair
• Any signs of scalp infection or inflammation
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Hair loss due to illness, use of certain pharmacologic agents, dietary changes, etc
• Hair loss with no known familial history
• Hair loss due to postpartum effects

Pharmacists can assist patients experiencing hair loss by reviewing medication profiles and possibly identifying those pharmacologic agents that may be associated with an increased risk of hair loss. Pharmacists should ensure that patients using minoxidil products are properly counseled on their correct use, as well as the importance of adhering to continuous use of the product to maintain regrowth of hair.1,2 In addition, pharmacists should inform patients that the product may not be effective for everyone and that it is a suppressive therapy and not a cure.^{1,2 Patients should also be informed that if there is no sign of new hair growth after 4 to 6 months of therapy, use of the product should be discontinued, and consultation with the primary health care provider is recommended.}1

References

1. Hogue M. Hair loss. Berardi RR, Kroon LA, McDermott J, et al, eds. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 15th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2006: 941-951.

2. www.rogaine.com.

3. www.drugstore.com.