Hair Transplant Surgeons Warn Rogaine® Patients to Avoid Aspirin

MIAMI - April 15, 2014 - PRLog -- Hair transplant surgeons at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami warn patients who take Rogaine® that taking aspirin daily might undermine their hair loss treatment. According to researchers at the University of British Columbia, the active ingredient in aspirin might directly negate the primary mechanism through which Rogaine® is thought to slow hair loss for men and women (i).

Minoxidil, most commonly known by brand name Rogaine®, is among the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatment options. With more than $160 million in sales worldwide in 2010, Rogaine® topical foam is also one of the most popular non-surgical hair loss treatment protocols (ii).

The precise mechanism through which Rogaine® stops the loss of hair is still unknown. However, clinical research suggests that Rogaine® stimulates the production of Cyclooxygenase1, or COX-1, which in turn produces prostaglandin E2, or PGE2. An essential lipid, PGE2 is known to nourish hair follicles and support a natural, regular hair growth cycle. As Rogaine® stimulates more and more COX-1, it is believed that hair loss is slowed. In some cases, new hair growth has even been documented.

Unfortunately, individuals who take both Rogaine® and aspirin might not be getting the full benefit of the popular hair loss treatment medicine. According to researchers, aspirin seems to negate COX-1 production. As Rogaine® seeks to stimulate COX-1 production to reduce hair loss, aspirin disables COX-1 in virtue of being an anti-inflammatory medicine. In the end, hair follicles continue to suffer while natural hair growth slows, eventually ceasing entirely. Most at risk are men and women who take aspirin each day to reduce blood pressure or relieve arthritis pain.

Alternatives to Rogaine® include non-surgical hair loss medications, like Finasteride (brand name Propecia®) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair loss. Both are FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment options. Patients may also choose a surgical hair transplant procedure like follicular unit extraction (FUE) or new robotic FUE procedures.

The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami invites readers to visit http://www.miamihair.com to learn more about hair loss, hair loss evaluation, and effective treatment options. The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami is home to South Florida’s finest hair transplant surgeons and most advanced treatment technologies.

Sources:

(i) A Monselise, G Leung, K Fraser, J Shapiro & KJ McElwee. "Aspirin inhibits minoxidil-induced proliferation of human keratinocytes." Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia.

(ii) "Rogaine/Regaine." Evaluate Group. URL: http://www.evaluategroup.com/Universal/View.aspx?type=Ent...