Function

• Rogaine stimulates hair growth and its effectiveness is more pronounced in patients that have androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. The exact mechanism of hair stimulation is not known.
  
  

Time Frame

• Rogaine is effective in growing hair only while the patient is using it. Once treatment is discontinued, the hair growth that was seen during therapy will be quickly lost over a period of 90 to 180 days.
  
  

Side Effects

• Although Rogaine effectiveness has been proven to grow hair safely, it is not without side effects. Side effects include local irritation and itching and possible growth of facial hair.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Rogaine effectiveness is proven in the treatment of hair loss and not for lowering blood pressure. Since oral Rogaine (minoxidil) was originally indicated in the treatment of hypertension, a misconception is that the topical composition works equally as well. Topical Rogaine does not have the same effect.
  
  

Considerations

• A consideration when taking Rogaine is to notify the physician when it will be used in combination with corticosteroids, Retin-A or petroleum jelly. These products can cause an excess of Rogaine to be absorbed and increase the incidence of side effects.