Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Alopecia Areata is the most common form of an unusual auto-immune skin disease resulting in patchy hair loss on your scalp. It usually starts with a small patch of hair loss and continues with one or more small, round patches of hair loss on your head.

Alopecia Areata affects approximately 2% of the overall population, including more than 5 million people in the United States, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). Alopecia Areata is considered a skin disease because it occurs on the skin of the hair, or scalp, and is usually diagnosed by your dermatologist. Luckily, agree experts, it includes no rashes, hives or itching, although exposed scalp areas do require extra care.

In the 1990’s, Alopecia Areata was classified as an auto-immune disease. Researchers found that the disease is the result of the body producing an inappropriate immune response against itself. However, “I find that most patients report a history of acute stress which precipitated the condition,” says Sara Wasserbauer, M.D., a Board Certified, California-based hair transplant surgeon.

The Normal Hair Growth Cycle

Dr. Wasserbrauer explains that the normal growth rate of scalp hair is about a fourth to a half an inch every month. Hair growth is a repeating cycle that can be disrupted by genetics, diseases, medications, infections or other more common factors that may cause hair loss. During the anagen growth phase, a follicle actively grows hair until the catagen phase in which the follicle slows down growth. During the telogen phase, the follicle rests prior to the start of a new anagen phase or growth of a new hair shaft. As the new hair shaft pushes out the ‘dead’ hair shaft, the old hair is shed. “About 50 to 100 telogen hairs are normally shed every day and you find them in your comb, brush and shower drain,” says Dr. Wasserbrauer. About 10 percent of scalp hair follicles are normally in telogen phase at any given time if the scalp is healthy and not affected by any condition that causes hair loss.

What Does “Autoimmune” Mean?

According to The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Autoimmune Disease Research Center, a healthy human body uses an effective set of weapons, the immune system, against viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can attack your body. Unfortunately, this powerful immune system sometimes mistakenly attacks the body itself. Misdirected immune responses are called auto-immunity. In Alopecia Areata, it’s your hair follicles that are mistakenly attacked by your own immune system, resulting in the disruption of the hair growth stage.

Types of Alopecia

The NAAF classifies three types of Alopecia. The first is Alopecia Areata which presents as random patches of hair loss. When hair loss involves the total head, it is called Alopecia Totalis and when it extends to the total body hair loss it is called Alopecia Universalis, There is no sure cure for the conditions but many doctors prescribe medications to help control the episodes. In all forms of Alopecia, the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal from the body. In all cases, hair re-growth may occur even without treatment and even after many years, according to the NAAF.

Do You ‘Catch’ Alopecia…or is it Genetic?

Experts believe there is a genetic component to Alopecia Areata, because one out of five people who have the symptoms, have a family-member also affected by hair loss, according to the NAAF. Current research has found that if onset begins after age 30 you are less likely to have an affected family member. When onset of the first patch of Alopecia Areata begins before age 30, it is more likely other family members are affected. The NAAF has focused a lot of its research into investigating the genetic elements of the disease to finally identify who is most susceptible to the disease and why. “Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is the name for the inherited condition neither associated with a specific gene (or genes) nor yet identified with certainty,” says Dr Wasserbauer.

Alopecia Treatment Options

According to the NAAF there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for Alopecia Areata, however, many medical professionals are willing to try treatments off-label. There are treatment options available for mild, patchy Alopecia Areata (less than 50% scalp hair loss) however none of the acceptable treatments work in all cases. Many hairstylists are using low-light laser therapy to stimulate the follicles to create new hair which only works on clients who still have active hair follicles at the beginning stages of hair loss.

Hair loss medications are the traditional treatment, laser hair therapy is the new kid on the block. Which method is better to treat androgenic alopecia (inherited hair loss)?
We all shed hair during its release phase in the hair growth cycle. But if we are shedding more than 100 or so hairs per day we may be on our way to thinning, patchy growth or male or female pattern baldness. Prescription medications promise a full head of thick, shiny hair...but what are the realities of this treatment method? There are two main medications that treat hereditary hair loss. Propecia (Finasteride) is delivered in a pill taken once daily. It is not FDA approved for women, however and in fact should not even be handled by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. That eliminates many hair loss clients. Rogaine (Minoxidil) is a non-prescription spray that is rubbed into the scalp twice a day. For men this may not be such an issue, but for women keeping a clean, styled head of hair (even a thinning one) is a must every day for our self esteem. Both of these medications slow the thinning of hair, grow new hair and thicken the shaft of existing hair. Both work on the crown and top of the head, but not along the front forehead hairline. Minoxidil works best on people younger than thirty. This cuts out the baby boomer population from getting the best results.

The low level light therapy (LLLT) delivered in a laser comb or brush is applied to the scalp in any target area for only 15-20 minutes 3 times per week. This laser treatment is used in conjunction with healthy vitamin supplements, non-sudsing shampoo and non-buildup conditioners. A pre-cleansing treatment, amino acid nutrient and shower water filter all will add to the positive results. As with the above medications, it can be taken with you on business trips or vacations, and can be used in the privacy of your own home. Use of a laser brush is side effect and danger free and is completely safe for women. It also has an initial outlay of a few hundred dollars and uses rechargeable batteries. The "extras" of shampoo, conditioner, etc. would need to be purchased anyway over time. The above medications are much more expensive as medical insurance does not pay for any of these hair loss drugs, and they must be taken continually in order that the hair that is re-grown remains.

Since side effects are non existent with the use of the laser hair brush, any side effects from taking either of the above medications are a negative. Minoxidil users may exhibit skin irritation or itchy scalp. Heart patients must ask their doctor before using this drug. Female users may experience growth of facial hair on the forehead or cheeks. Rogaine users (women are not permitted to take this medication) may include lack of sexual function.

As with the laser hair comb, either of these medications may not work and visible results may take from 4 months to a year. With medications they must be used every day. The recommended use for the laser brush is 3 times a week but for 15-20 minutes each time. Time to take a single pill per day is not much, but using a spray or cream on the scalp twice a day is very time consuming, especially when you take into account re-styling time.

The only risks to stopping the use of the laser comb or either medication are reoccurrence of the original hair loss, and then continued loss. Of course our self-esteem and mental health may be compromised if loss of hair or thinning hair is important to us. Thick, shiny hair is one of the things that determine a youthful appearance, and in this time of aging baby boomers trying to maintain a young, healthy look, the market for hair loss treatments is huge.

Each one of us needs to determine the cost, risk and appearance factors for ourselves. With the above information and more research into the use and effectiveness of medications vs. the technology of a laser comb, we have taken the biggest step toward choosing a hair loss solution which is best for us.

The dirty truth about balding men and women is we find it a shameful and embarrassing condition. We all place a tremendous value on our looks, and lets face it our hair. The most noticeable feature we possess is our hair, and millions of us around the world are waking up to those extra hairs in the sink or on our hairbrush. How can you stop the receding of your hairline and perhaps re-grow that lost hair? Today I want to arm you with some information on hardcore genuine baldness treatments, one you can afford without breaking the bank to restore your healthy and sexy hair.
When your losing your hair, I think you owe it to yourself to explore all of the options open to you, you need to attack the problem and reverse it before its too late.

Hair Restoration Options -

Hair Transplant or Lasers:

Ok, yes this is a viable option that produces quick and natural looking results in most cases. But it is cost prohibitive to say the least, in my research I found that hair restoration surgery costs upwards of $10,000 yikes!

Laser hair restoration is cheaper it runs somewhere around $6,000 -$10,000 to start you off, of course you need to purchase a home laser brush add another $600 -$2,000 to your tab. Then you also need to make purchases of on-going medications, by the way these clinics use many of the very same ingredients well talk about later. But they charge a clinic level price on them.

The Hair Piece:

Now this one is a cheap option really, if you can find one that looks natural. But lets face it guys we always can pick out the guy wearing a rug can't we. Not really a sexy or natural look, and it can always fall off. But the one time price is right if your looking for cheap, good quality hair pieces will run you around $500 -$800.

Natural Hair Restoration Formulations:

Here is the hardcore genuine baldness treatment, for a fraction of the lifetime costs of surgery or lasers, you can treat your genetic hair loss with a quality baldness treatment

What's needed is a good natural solution to treat the causes of male and female pattern baldness also known as genetic hair loss. There are hundreds of hair restoration products on the markets today, but how to you weed out the wheat from the chaff? What makes the best hair loss products?

Well first you want to make sure any natural hair restoration product you are deciding to purchase is using one of the only two medical ingredients clinically proven and approved by the FDA for use to regain hair loss. The medications are Propecia and Minoxidil; of these only Minoxidil can be purchased without a prescription and is safe for use by women and men.

The next important step is to ensure the product your using has the strongest combinations of vitamins and herbs to help you maintain your new growing hair. The best hair loss products combine both the medical element with oral supplements of vitamins and herbs such as; Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin, Nettle Root, Zinc, Biotin, and vitamin B6 just to name a few. Using this winning combination of powerful medication and herbs and vitamins, I believe gives you the ultimate chance to regain hair loss.

Now that you're armed with this valuable information, your next steps? Take what you've just learned here today and fully investigate what a natural hair loss remedy can do for you.

Hair loss, specifically, male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss exhibited by men. Almost 95% of the cases of hair loss are a result of MPHL. Studies indicate that by the time they reach 50, half of all men are suffering from male pattern hair loss.

Hair loss

Typically, male pattern hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline. This can also be accompanied by a gradual balding of the crown. Hair loss is a progressive condition. If steps are not taken to treat the condition, it will continue unabated. By the time you might take notice of your hair loss, there is a good chance that almost 50% of your hair may be lost. This is why it's important to recognize the causes of hair loss and embark on a treatment option that can help treat your hair loss in the best possible way. Hair loss treatment options restrict hair loss and also stimulate new hair growth.

Male pattern hair loss

Male pattern hair loss or male pattern alopecia is a condition, wherein, a man suffers from hair loss on the top of the head and/or a receding hair line. This progressive thinning of hair is also known as androgenic alopecia. Occurring in adult males, its amount and pattern can vary greatly. Researchers believe that men can inherit this condition from either side of the family. A chemical called dihydrotestosterone or DHT is one of the key factors responsible for male pattern hair loss.

Male pattern hair loss - Causes

As aforementioned, the blame for this condition can be laid at the doorstep of your genes that come from both sides of your family. Genetics, one of the major causes of male pattern hair loss, can make your hair follicles more vulnerable to a chemical substance called DHT. If you are suffering from MPHL, your body has elevated levels of DHT in your balding scalp. According to scientists, DHT is the primary factor responsible for the shrinkage of your hair follicles. It also contributes towards decreasing the number of visible hair. There are other causes of hair loss also which include medicinal side effects, medical conditions, surgical procedures and illnesses.

Overcoming the hair loss problem

There are various treatment options available for treating your hair loss problem. There are a number of products available that have been created specifically for male pattern hair loss. The efficacy of all these products differs in individuals; this means that product that works for someone won't necessarily work for you. Oral tablets like Propecia are emerging as an effective treatment option for male pattern hair loss. Hair transplant is another option that can help restore lost hair. It would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about the perfect treatment option for your hair loss.

Buying Propecia for hair loss treatment

Propecia is a prescription medication that helps treat mild to moderate cases of male pattern hair loss. Various extensive and exhaustive clinical studies have proven the efficacy of this oral medication. It is a 'men's only' drug that should not be used by women or children. You can buy Propecia easily through certified online pharmacies. All you need to do is present your prescription so that you can embark upon an effective hair loss treatment plan.

Male pattern baldness is one of the most common types of hair loss and it affects a large number of men, particularly those in their 50s. Before the arrival of Propecia, famously known as the baldness pill, men had tried all sorts of oils, shampoos and concoctions to stop and reverse their hair loss. Often though, these would never cause any changes to their hair loss. The launch of Propecia gave a new hope to men suffering from male pattern hair loss. The popular baldness pill strikes the root cause of male pattern hair loss and offers the most effective treatment for the condition to date.

Baldness pills - an effective hair loss treatment method

Propecia is one of the most popular baldness pills on the market. The medication is approved by the US FDA as a treatment for male pattern baldness. This condition causes hair to recede at the crown and either side of the head and progresses to partial or complete baldness. The clinically proven baldness pill not only stops further hair loss but also stimulates the growth of new hair. Propecia has been available since 1997 and has helped millions of men treat the problem of male pattern hair loss.

How does Propecia work?

The active ingredient in Propecia is called finasteride. It belongs to a class of medicine called the type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. When the male sex hormone called testosterone reacts with the type II 5-alpha reductase it is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While some amount of DHT is necessary, in some men the level of DHT becomes too high. The excess of DHT causes the hair follicle to shrink so that the growth of new hair is inhibited. Propecia finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT and thereby lowers the level of DHT in your body. This helps to prevent further hair loss and allows hair to re-grow naturally.

A single 1mg Propecia tablet is to be taken everyday continuously for 3-6 months before any benefits can be seen. When the baldness pill is discontinued, any hair gained during the treatment is lost. You need to continue the treatment to sustain the benefits of Propecia.

Efficacy of baldness pills

Propecia is a proven and highly effective treatment for male pattern hair loss. The baldness pill has been extensively studied in a 5-year clinical trial and produced the following results: * 90% of participants saw a visible improvement, divided into 48% who saw re-growth of hair and 42% who saw no further hair loss * In the first year of the study 86% of men experienced visibly more hair

Online availability

Though the baldness pill Propecia is available only on a prescription basis, it can conveniently be bought online thanks to numerous online Propecia clinics. Reputed online pharmacies, offer you the facility to consult registered doctors through online consultation forms, free of cost. You are asked to fill-in your medical details in the form which is reviewed by the doctor. If the doctor finds Propecia suitable for you, you will receive your prescription for the baldness pill by email. Following this, you can place your order for Propecia. The famous baldness pill will reach your address safely and discreetly.

Hair loss in men has become less of a liability as more and more personalities embrace this condition and even feel proud about it. However, one´s self-image is still affected by his hair´s condition. Knowing what induces hair loss is therefore a must to an image conscious man.
Men are affected by a number of genetic diseases the worsens hair loss. To effectively treat hair loss, one needs to be familiar first to its causes.

Alopecia Areata One of the main causes of hair loss in men is alopecia areata. This condition usually starts with a smooth baldness, but regrows in six months without treatment. Alopecia also affect hair on other body parts like the beard. This condition is due to an autoimmune condition. The body attacks its own hair follicles. Often, this condition is due to stress. Alopecia can be cured by injecting steroids to affected patches stimulating hair growth. Oral steroids and ultraviolet light therapy are toxic and impractical.

Traction Alopecia On the other hand, Traction alopecia is caused by tight braids and ponytails that pulls hair roots causing hair damage. It is advisable that hairstyles should put less pressure on hair roots.

There is also Trichotillomania or the habit of pulling at hairs or twisting them sometimes without realizing it. The scalp is affected and results to hair patches. This is entirely behavioral. Tinea capitis, on the other hand is a fungal infection of the scalp affects school-age children. This condition shows bald spots with broken-off hairs. Oral antibiotics can be used to treat this.

Telogen Effluvium Meanwhile, Telogen effluvium is the rapid shedding of the hair after childbirth, fever, sudden weight loss, or surgery. In reality, scalp hairs enter telogen or resting phase and later on falls out. Men normally lose 100 hair every day. However, due to the above mentioned reasons, the hair sheds massively, and this is what we call effluvium. However, when the body gets back to its natural rhythm, hair regrows to its normal level.

Androgenetic Alopecia Furthermore, Androgenetic alopecia or common baldness which is a result of genetics and hormones. To slow down this kind of hair loss, there are two treatments that a person can use:

First is Minoxidil whose brand name is Rogaine and Provillus. It is over-the-counter and works best on the crown, less on the frontal region. It comes in 2% and 5% solutions. The latter believed to be more effective.

Second is Finasteride with brand name Propecia. This is a drug that shrinks prostates in middle-aged men. Propecia grows hair but it is mainly for keeping the hair that is still there.

These two are the only drug-based treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in treating hair loss. Other options, apart from these two are using chemicals like Ketoconazole, immunosuppressants, Polygonum Multiflorum, surgery like transaplantation or scalp reduction.

Naturally, it also advisable to reduce stress since stress can worsen hair loss. Regular exercise also helps promote a healthy body thus, a healthy scalp. This can also keep a healthy level of testosterone. Finally, keeping a proper and balance diet ensures that the body gets the nutrition it needs to nourish the skin and scalp that would prevent hair loss.

It has been proved by various studies that the real enemy behind the loss of hair is nothing but DHT. Rising levels of DHT in the blood can over time cause hair follicles to become blocked up and damaged. At first you only notice increase hair shedding. Many people in this stage report see more hair left in the shower drain or on their pillow. If this is the case the best thing is to can intervene early. Just like other disease processes hair loss is more easily treated if it is contained early on. DHT can this be prevented with natural supplements for the stimulation of hair growth.
There are several different ways to contain DHT, like blocking it from adhering to the hair follicles, inhibiting the very production of DHT or the enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. 5- alpha-reductase is the real cause of the production of DHT. Reducing the quantity of cholesterol can also contain DHT, as this is the substance that is responsible for the production of 5-alpha-reductase. So, an inhibitor of DHT can act in any of the above-mentioned ways and after inhibition of DHT the hair follicles can give rise to new hair.

Nature Provides The Some Good Solutions:

Zinc is one of the freely available natural elements that acts as a DHT inhibitor and is found in various food items. Another inhibitor is Saw Palmetto that is also natural and acts in the same way as Propecia. Firstly, it blocks 5-alpha-reductase and afterwards deactivates the DHT receptors on cells. This has been the easiest way for the preventing the increase of DHT. DHT is involved not only in loss of hair} but also in many other diseases, like prostrate cancer. Saw Palmetto has been found to able to counter benign protrastic disease as an antiandrogen tat can also kill the follicles of the scalp. It has lots of potential.

Inhibition of the very production of DHT can remove the hair fail issue from its root itself and this can be achieved by the use of another natural inhibitor Pygeum extract. It works by having specific constituents that removes the chance of accumulation of the cholesterol in prostate glands and reduce the prolacting levels. Prostate glands take up the testosterone rapidly in the presence of prolactin and high levels of cholesterol increases DHT receptors in number.

If you have suffered extensive damage to your hair follicles then your best option may be to pursue a hair transplant. Over the years hair transplantation methods have become better and more cost effective. The cost will depend largely on how extensive the procedures will be. Additionally, there may be regional differences in prices so shop around.

Still another way to combat loss of hair is trying over the counter medications. medications like Minoxidil have been proven to prevent hair loss and encourage regrowth. It carries an actually clinical indication from the FDA to prove its effectiveness. There are only 2 products that carry this distinction. Although the previously mentioned natural products are good there is simply more research supporting the use of products like Rogaine or Provillus. These products contain minoxidil. However, before you run out and buy provillus, procerin or any other product there is more information you need to know. You can read the free report below increase your understanding.

Do you want to discover a remedy to heal thinning hair? This isn't just a male problem, girls also are susceptible to the condition. In fact virtually as many ladies as men suffer from alopecia of some form. However you can cure thinning hair naturally, the very last thing you need to experiment with are products that are based on chemicals that will make the condition worse.

Why do we suffer from thinning hair?

A question that has many answers. Some or all may make a contribution to your condition.

here's a list of probable causes.

-Stress due to an illness or surgical technique.

-Hormonal issues.

-Medicinal reaction.

-Fungal infection of the scalp.

-Underlying disease side effect eg : diabetes.

-Inherited male-pattern baldness.

-After pregnancy.

-Tight twisting of the hair, for example plats or ponytail.

-Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Certain of these problems are cured over time, for example the baldness associated with pregnancy will stop and return to normal once the pre-pregnancy hormone levels are attained. With the tight twisting, ordinary hair growth will return upon cessation of the practice.

it's the other causes with a need to heal thinning hair by other techniques. It might be smart to follow a regime of using the proprietary brands of alopecia remedies found in the market today. We are referring to the commercially known'Rogaine' (minoxidil) and'Propecia' (Finasteride Capsules) and their derivatives. Both are made from manufactured chemicals and require on going application or the condition will return to its previous level.

There are a variety of supplements and vitamins available at your local health store that may aid in correcting the situation. Herbs have been at length used over the years. Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root have been seen to be effective to heal thinning hair and promote re-growth. Mixing these cures with scalp massage which will stimulate the hair follicles should show an improvement in the condition.

There are certain natural herbal based products on the market that have shown fantastic re-growth of thinning hair. The absence of any manufactured chemicals make this type of treatment to cure thinning hair an enticing proposition. Case studies of huge numbers of users have been documented and hair re-growth above 30 percent has appeared to be the standard results.

The studies found that apropos hair re-growth, the all natural compound solution seemed to be better than minoxidil ( Rogaine ) and has no known complications. A separate study showed that a two percent minoxidil preparation applied topically increased hair counts by about 24% after 20 weeks. The natural study showed an increase of 89% in the same time period. Thanks to the variations in locating the measured regions of the scalp, these results aren't without delay close, but in a population study, the separate study results showed clearly that 34-46 out of 83 partakers ( 48% ) had no growth after twenty-four weeks, where as the natural compound results show only 14 out of 98 ( 14% ) had no expansion after 20 weeks. So, the conclusion is that the all natural product does show results that it does cure thinning hair and that over 85% of men will reply favorably to the treatment.

Male pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of male hair loss. Though the condition usually affects middle aged men, these days, younger men, even those who are still in their 20s are reporting male pattern baldness, also called, androgenic alopecia.
This condition involves losing hair in a well-defined pattern, around the top of the head and sometimes on the sides and back of the head as well. Male pattern hair loss may progress to partial or complete baldness.

Importance of hair

Society places great emphasis on the appearance of your hair. Functionally, hair on your head helps to keep you warm and protects your scalp, as well as makes you look attractive, and defines your personality. Traditionally, hair is associated with masculinity, virility, youthfulness and health. Though some men accept hair loss and come to terms with it, most men feel frustrated due to their hair loss. They can lose their self-esteem, start feeling older than their age and are not so confident when meeting new people. In order to restore a head full of hair, men try all sorts of treatments that claim to stop hair loss. From herbs, to chanting mantras, to using animal waste, men have tried anything they believed could stop hair loss. The launch of Propecia, has significantly eased the predicament of men and given them a treatment option that is effective, convenient and safe.

About Propecia finasteride

Propecia finasteride is a FDA approved treatment for male pattern baldness. The drug is available in a 1mg pill that is taken daily. Propecia has been found effective in 9 out of 10 men in clinical studies. The drug helps to stop further hair loss and stimulates the growth of new hair. The benefits of Propecia are noticeable 3 months after starting the treatment. Propecia treatment should be continued for as long as you wish to enjoy the benefits of fuller, thicker hair. Once you stop the treatment, hair gained during the treatment will be lost in 12 months time. Propecia is to be used only on the advice of a doctor. Women and children must never use Propecia. Women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant must not even handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets as it could adversely affect the foetus.

Propecia side effects

Side effects are associated with most prescription medications and Propecia is no exception. However, Propecia comes with very few side effects, but only a minority of men are affected by these Propecia side effects. Very few men report sexual side effects such as loss of libido, problems having erections, or decreased semen volume. These side effects subside when the treatment is stopped. Other Propecia side effects include allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face, breast tenderness and enlargement, and testicular pain. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pains or nipple discharge or if any of the Propecia side effects become bothersome.

How can you buy Propecia online?

Finasteride Capsules can be bought online through online Propecia clinics. These ask you to complete an online consultation form which is reviewed by a GMC registered doctor. If the doctor finds the medicine appropriate in your case, you will receive the prescription in an email, free of cost. The email also holds a link back to the website from where you can purchase Propecia. Your Propecia pills will reach your address in safe and discreet packaging.

Though they are called "generic," these prescription drugs are expected to meet the same standards required of the innovator or brand name product.

What is the difference between a Generic and Name-Brand Drug?
A Name-Brand drug is marketed under a specific trade name by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. In most cases, Name-Brand drugs are still under patent protection, meaning the manufacturer is the sole source for the product but in many Countries around the world this is not the case and a generic alternative is readily available . A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The generic drug is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug but is sold under its chemical or "generic" name.

Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Brand-Name Drugs?
A generic drug contains the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The strength and purity of generic medications are strictly regulated. The FDA requires all generic manufacturers to demonstrate that a generic drug will have the same medical effect as its Name-Brand equivalent by measuring the rate and extent of drug absorption. The generic drug should treat your illness or condition with the same effectiveness and safety as its brand name equivalent. Generics have to meet the same rigorous requirements as Name-Brand drugs.

Are Generic Drugs as Safe as Brand-Name Drugs?
These generics have been used billions of times by millions of patients, demonstrating again that Name-Brand and generic name drug (such as Generic Propecia) have the same effect in the body.

Are Generic Drugs Less Expensive than Brand-Name Drugs?
In most cases, YES. The cost of researching, developing and marketing a new drug- including the money spent advertising the product- are factored into the price of the branded drug. Generic manufacturers spend considerably less on development and promotion, and therefore can afford to sell their product for less money.

Is the More Expensive Name-Brand Drug of a Better Quality?
No, the quality is the same. Both have to meet the same rigorous requirements.

Who Makes Generic Drugs?
Some are manufactured by the same pharmaceutical companies that make brand drugs; others are produced by pharmaceutical companies specializing in the manufacturing of generics. All prescription drug manufacturers must meet rigid FDA, WHO and GMP approval.