Rogaine Side Effects

Rogaine Side Effects

Rogaine side effects range from common minor side effects to rare more serious side effects. Like most other medications on the market today using Rogaine can have some risks and it is advisable to learn about these before starting treatment.

Below is a list of some of the Rogaine side effects and how to avoid them but it is also recommended that you read the warning labels that come with the medication as well as consult your doctor about them as necessary.

Common Rogaine Side Effects

The most common side effect when using Rogaine is irritation and redness in the scalp. This side effect is also unavoidable as it is a symptom of your body’s natural reaction to the medication.

You can help mitigate this side effect by using a lower dosage of Rogaine (Rogaine comes in 2% and a stronger 5% solution) or even try switching between the two dosages (for example, use a 5% solution one day and 2% the day after, continually switching between the two).

Flaking of the scalp and dryness of the scalp is another common Rogaine side effect. Again this is caused by your body’s reaction to the drug.

To reduce this side effect you can experiment with dosage amounts as well as using products that will soothe your scalp like an anti-dandruff shampoo. Nizoral brand shampoo is very popular with Rogaine users and the two are commonly used together.

Paradoxically another common Rogaine side effect is initial hair loss. This is termed “shedding.” The developers of the Rogaine say that shedding is a natural part of the process and that it is a sign that the drug is working and that a new cycle of hair growth is starting. Officially this stage should last about 2 weeks although some users report it lasting up to 6 months.

Using a medication like Propecia can help reduce this side effect. Remember that Rogaine doesn’t stop hair loss, it only promotes new hair growth. Propecia on the other hand is specially formulated to stop the hair loss process so using them together makes a lot of sense. Please note that Propecia is not meant to be used by women and is safe only for men.

Serious Rogaine Side Effects

Remember that Rogaine was initially designed to help blood pressure problems so this aspect of the drug may also cause some more serious side effects. These include irregular heartbeats, very fast heartbeats, headaches, dizziness and chest pains.

In addition to these some people may be allergic to the medication and may have a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include developing a rash, hives, tightness in the chest, having difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth and/or tongue.

Other serious side effects can include breathing difficulties, fainting, swelling in your extremities and unexplained weight gain. These side effects are very rare but if they show up it is recommended that you stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately.

Other Rogaine Side Effects To Be Aware Of

Rogaine (the foam and liquid) is not meant to be taken orally and is poisonous is swallowed. If you do accidentally swallow it contact a Poison Control Center and get medical help immediately as it is poisonous.

If you get any Rogaine in your eyes, rinse your eyes out immediately with cool water.

Rogaine is also very toxic to cats and can cause death even with just skin contact so remember to keep it away from your pets.

Rogaine is a great medication to use to treat hair loss by promoting the growth of new hair. Like any other drug however there are risks to the user depending on his or her individual body makeup. Therefore it only makes sense that you educate yourself on Rogaine side effects before beginning to use medication.