Using Rogaine for 15 Years — Just Developed an Allergy?

Hi Doc,

Taking Rogaine for 15 years. Have had a lot of shedding the last year. I stopped the rogaine for a week and noticed a definate decrease in shedding almost immediately. Could Rogaine be irritating the scalp and cause shedding? After so many years would Rogaine still be effective? If it does become less effective over time is it safe to stop without more loss?

Thanks

There is no way to tell with anecdotal accounts. It may just be coincidental. Generally, I would doubt Rogaine has been causing hair loss, but you might have developed a skin allergy to the drug. Generally speaking, some drugs may lose its effective clinical value over time, but it should not lose all of its potency.