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GlossaryCytotoxic Drugs

medications that kill or inhibit rapidly dividing cells

Cytotoxic drugs, also known as chemotherapeutic agents, are medications designed to kill or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. While effective in treating various cancers, these drugs can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, like those in hair follicles, leading to side effects such as hair loss (alopecia).

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Atrophic Telogen Effluvium from Cytotoxic Drugs and a Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Possible Protective Effect of Pretreatment with a Topical Vitamin D3 Analogue in Humans

research Atrophic Telogen Effluvium from Cytotoxic Drugs and a Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Possible Protective Effect of Pretreatment with a Topical Vitamin D3 Analogue in Humans

47 citations, July 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Topical vitamin D3 does not prevent hair loss from chemotherapy.

research The Pregnant Urologist: Occupational Risks and Safety Measures

5 citations, June 2017 in “BJU international”

Pregnant female urologists should avoid certain drugs and use protective measures to stay safe.

research Cutaneous Drug Reactions

1 citations, January 2010 in “Elsevier eBooks”

Any drug can cause skin reactions, but antibiotics, NSAIDs, and psychotropic drugs are more common, with some reactions being life-threatening.

research Investigating Drug-Induced Alopecia

1 citations, February 1993 in “Nursing Standard”

Many drugs, not just chemotherapy, can cause reversible hair loss.

research Cytostatics and Immunosuppressive Drugs: Toxicities and Management

January 1989 in “Side effects of drugs annual”

Some cancer and immune system drugs can cause serious side effects, including heart, lung, nerve, and organ damage, which need careful monitoring and management.

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community I started rapidly diffuse thinning at 22. I'm 42 now and have as much hair as I did at 16. AMA

in Treatment 443 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, PRP, and microneedling helped maintain hair for 20 years. Research and try evidence-based treatments for best results.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community If you're sitting there wondering, "I'm losing my hair, what do I do?" then read my advice here. I've been fighting the fight for 7 years, with great success. (pictures included)

in Question 109 upvotes 11 years ago

Fighting hair loss with "The Big 3" treatments of Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral shampoo, as well as specific advice on how to use these products. People have shared their long-term success stories and some have discussed the side effects of finasteride. Other suggestions included Lipogaine and Pura D'or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner.

community Alfatradiol to combat hair loss

8 upvotes 10 years ago

Hair loss discussion includes treatments Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841. Alfatradiol is suggested as another potential solution.

community Switched from finasteride to dutasteride - 2 month update

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 6 upvotes 1 year ago

The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss treatment, but experienced increased libido, itchy scalp, and accelerated hair loss. Another user suggested that genetic variations might cause dutasteride to be less effective and recommended checking for specific genetic markers.