Scientists believe that 95% of the hair loss seen in both men and women is caused by a progressive condition called androgenetic alopecia, or common hereditary hair loss. Rogaine contains the active ingredient which is proven to encourage hair regrowth, thicken existing hair, and reduce hair loss.

But Upjohn presented the panel with detailed package labeling that explains Rogaine can sometimes help hereditary hair loss known as male pattern baldness; it counters no other kind of balding. The package would state that people should try Rogaine only if hair loss runs in their family and the loss isn't a sudden or mysterious type that might come from an endocrine imbalance or disease. Studies in men who used Rogaine for 12 months showed 48 percent said their hair grew back moderately or better, Upjohn said. Some 36 percent experienced minimal regrowth and 16 percent didn't benefit at all. Some 40 million men and 20 million women suffer hair loss, and male pattern balding is the most common form. The FDA panel agreed, in a 12-4 vote, that Upjohn was sufficiently warning consumers. But it emphasized that Rogaine is not for use by anyone under age 18, and some panelists questioned whether the elderly should use it because it has been tested only in people under 45. Other concerns also were voiced. One doctor told the panel that parents have asked him for Rogaine prescriptions because they didn't think their children's hair was growing fast or thick enough.

A Vanderbilt University dermatologist warned Rogaine had not yet been tested with black patients, who can experience different hair loss problems than whites. And the FDA's Cohen cited studies showing that Rogaine spurred growth only on the very top of men's heads. Studies show it takes at least four months for Rogaine to start working, and indicate that women who try it fruitlessly for eight months should give up, said FDA spokeswoman Ivy Kupec. Rogaine, known chemically as minoxidil, earned about $100 million for Upjohn in 1996, but sales had slowed in recent years, prompting the company to seek the over-the-counter market. "Through extensive clinical trials and the experience of more than 3 million Rogaine users worldwide, Rogaine has demonstrated an excellent safety record," said company Vice President Thomas Laughlin. "We're optimistic that the FDA will clear Rogaine for over-the-counter availability soon so that consumers will have easier access to the product."

And they have...! Over-the-counter (OTC) Rogaine Extra Strength for Men, 5% minoxidil topical solution from Pharmacia & Upjohn Consumer Healthcare, is now available in the USA! Generic minoxidil 2% topical solution is also available. The price for our 2% solution is very low, but it has the exact same concentration of minoxidil (active ingredient) contained in Rogaine 2% (the former prescription strength). We offer it as a low cost alternative to Rogaine 2%, which we are not carrying at this time. To order from us you simply fill out a form, and pay with your credit card, check, or money order (US funds). Your order will be shipped via United States Postal Service - Priority Mail, or International Air Mail. You should expect delivery to be made within 4 to 6 business days from the date of your order (US orders). Mail orders, and orders shipped outside of the USA will take longer, check with your local postal, or customs officials for more information on shipping time to your location. Currently we cannot ship to Germany, or Austria. Individuals are not permitted to import minoxidil into these countries for personal use.

Information about generic Minoxidil

Mioxidil is a drug that is used for restoring hair growth . It can be used by men or women that are experiencing premature hair loss. Minoxidil was originally developed as a blood pressure medication. As it was prescribed a side effect was becoming apparent. Some patients reported noticing hair growth in unusual places on their bodies. Experiments determined hair growth could be stimulated, if the minoxidil was applied topically. The experiments proved promising enough to convince the FDA to allow it's sale as a prescription drug. Minoxidil is the ONLY substance that has been laboratory tested to restore hair growth in people. However, it varies considerably from person to person in how well or poorly it works. Hair that has been lost through male pattern baldness seem particularly resistant. Male pattern is the gradual loss of hair above the forehead. In some men it eventually reaches the crown of the head. Minoxidil is almost completely ineffective for this type of hair loss. Instead, the manufacturer recommends it for the type of baldness that occurs at the very top and upper back of the head. This bald spot is the most likely to be helped by minoxidil.