Weekly summary - 175th week -- lawsuit filed in Canada for persistant sexual dysfuction from Propecia and Proscar

I do not know will this news shocked you. It did surprised me. I do not know in actual there are how many percentage of men who took Propecia and Proscar suffered sexual dysfunction. Is it never go away even you stop taking it? I welcomed all of you to tell me the truth. I did reduce my libido, but in long term and persistantly?


BREAKING NEWS: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED IN CANADA FOR PERSISTENT SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION FROM PROPECIA & PROSCAR


January 24, 2011
Klein Lyons [law firm -- http://www.kleinlyons.com] has filed a class action lawsuit against Merck Frosst Canada and its affiliated companies on behalf of Canadian men who used Propecia or Proscar and suffered continuing sexual dysfunction.

• CANADIANS: SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE >
• Official Press Release
• Official Lawsuit Notice of Claim

Propecia and Proscar are prescribed as a cosmetic treatment for male pattern hair loss also known as androgenic alopecia. The product monograph discloses that some men may experience sexual dysfunction but states that the symptoms disappear after cessation of the drug.
It is alleged that the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn Canadian men of the risks associated with the drugs and that the warning remains inadequate to this day. The product information has already been changed in several European countries to include an adverse reaction warning of persistent erectile dysfunction after discontinuation.
If you or anyone close to you are suffering from medical problems caused by Propecia or Proscar, complete the Do You Qualify form. Your inquiry will be kept completely confidential.

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Press Release: Class action filed against manufacturer of Propecia & Proscar

http://www.nationalpost.com/Class+action+filed+against+manufacturer+Propecia+Proscar/4157841/story.html

VANCOUVER, Jan. 24, 2011

Lawsuit filed for men who suffer sexual dysfunction after using hair loss drug.
VANCOUVER, Jan. 24 /CNW/ - A class action was filed today in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Vancouver resident, Michael Miller, against Merck Frosst Canada and its affiliated companies. The lawsuit has been brought on behalf of Canadian men who used Propecia or Proscar and suffered continuing sexual dysfunction.
Propecia and Proscar are prescribed as a cosmetic treatment for male pattern hair loss also known as androgenic alopecia. The product monograph discloses that some men may experience sexual dysfunction but states that the symptoms disappear after cessation of the drug.
Mr. Miller, who is in his early 20s, was concerned when his hair started to thin in some areas. He was prescribed Proscar which he hoped would stop his hair from thinning. After about a month of use he noticed a drastic change in his behaviour, "I lost my interest in sex and I felt anxious in social situations for no particular reason," he says. While on the drug, his symptoms of sexual dysfunction increased as the months passed. When he could no longer bear the side effects, he stopped using Proscar but these symptoms didn't go away: "My sexual functioning has not recovered, I have seen specialists and have tried treatments but nothing has worked," says Mr. Miller.
According to Mr. Miller's lawyer, David Klein, "The product labels have been changed in several European countries to include a warning of persistent erectile dysfunction after discontinuation of the drug but this change has not been made on the Canadian product labels." It is alleged that the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn Canadians of the true risks.
Klein also says, "So far, more than 80 Canadian men have expressed an interest in participating in the class action. We believe there are many other men who will come forward now that the case has been filed in court."
Mr. Miller is represented by Klein Lyons, one of Canada's most experienced class action law firms.

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Weekly summary - 136th week -- A new way to control hair loss??

I may be still long way to go for us. Anyway, it is a good sign besides Propecia that affects our body hormones it controls DHT. Now a new way by scientist but it may need years to come out something to control hair loss without interfere male hormone.

Scientists Identify New Hair Loss Gene – APCDD1

by Staff Writer

A research team that includes investigators from Colombia, Rockefeller and Stanford Universities, believe they have found a gene that impacts hair growth.
The gene that was identified is APCDD1 (adenomatosis polyposis down-regulated 1).  This gene is involved in the progressive hair loss condition referred to as hereditary hypotrichosis simplex and it is a condition that usually presents itself in childhood. Hereditary hypotrichosis simplex is a rare autosomal dominant form of hair loss which is characterized by hair miniaturization, a process in which thick terminal hair is replaced with finer hair over time.
The discovery of this gene is an incredible break in the world of hair loss since male pattern baldness also presents itself in the same way with miniaturizing hair follicles. This finding may certainly have a impact on future research and treatments for androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss.
Ultimately, this is another valued piece of a very complex puzzle that will allow greater insight into the process of follicle miniaturization. Angela M. Christiano, Ph.D., professor of dermatology and genetics & development at Columbia University Medical Center, and lead author of the study says

“This discovery was made by analyzing genetic data from a few families in Pakistan and Italy with hereditary hypotrichosis simplex. Through their analysis the research team found a common mutation in the APCDD1 gene that is located on a specific region of chromosome 18. Previous studies have shown chromosome 18 to be involved in other forms of hair loss including alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.”

The researchers have determined that APCDD1 inhibits the signaling pathway (Wnt) that has been shown to control hair growth in mice.

“We have at last made a connection between Wnt signaling and human hair disease that is highly significant,” says Christiano. “And unlike commonly available treatments for hair loss that involve blocking hormonal pathways, treatments involving the Wnt pathway would be non-hormonal, which may enable many more people suffering from hair loss to receive such therapies.”
“Furthermore, these findings suggest that manipulating the Wnt pathway may have an effect on hair follicle growth — for the first time, in humans,” said Dr. Christiano. “And unlike commonly available treatments for hair loss that involve blocking hormonal pathways, treatments involving the Wnt pathway would be non-hormonal, which may enable many more people suffering from hair loss to receive such therapies.

This study can be found in the April 15 Edition of Nature.
http://www.nature.com/

Weekly summary - 90th week

We all know Propecia may have reduce the libido of some people. In fact, if you do not believe the statistic by Merck that only 2% of male who taking Propecia suffer side effect, you may be just 50% of those who suffered side effects such as lower libido and softer erection.
Recently I found in the internet that training the PC muscle can enhance the hardness of male erection.If you want to know about PC muscle, click here to see details in wikipedia.
How can we train our PC muscle?
The easiest way is when you pee. While you have the flow when peeing, stop it for 5 seconds. Repeat this step for two or three times.
There is another way. Please refer to this blog for more details. I may also follow this steps. Haha.I hope this may help.
My hair loss is quite consistent. No shedding. No visible hair growth. Propecia just retain my hair but not growing, at least until now.

Weekly summary - 81st week

There is another blog who writing of hair loss. I have recommended his post regarding Beijing 101 that waste him the time and money previously.
What I notice his treatment taht he use currently is surprisingly without Propecia. He is using Minoxidil ,Nizoral shampoo plus several Vitamins and supplements. Read more here.
However, he still has more hair than I do . So He should not worry too much.
ANother good post that I found in his blog in the hair loss region map that usually people mention. Which part is temple, vertex, or crown, frontal.

I am headache with the no progress of hair growth. My miniature hair does not grow to mature state. It is the biggest problem that I face now.
Another problem is, please vote in my poll if you are taking Propecia. I want to know how much it affects your libido.

Audace Hair Reactive and Hair Fall Control Shampoo Review

Audace Hair Reactive and Hair Fall control shampoo (I will just call it Audace) cost about RM21.90 (USD 6.30) in local pharmacies. Most pharmacies such as Guradian, Watson and Caring sell Audace product. This shampoo is different from the review of another Audace PH shampoo for oily scalp. This shampoo is target for people who has hair loss problem.

The Audace shampoo is 200ml and is 50ml less than the Audace PH shampoo and cost roughly RM5 (USD 1.40) more. However, this shampoo is relative high in viscosity and may seem it can last long for at least 3 months above even you wash your hair daily with this product.

Personally I have an oily scalp and this is the reason I use Audace pH shampoo last time. Although it is quite good to clear my scalp sebum, my scalp will be a bit oily in the afternoon. It could be the shampoo is too strong for my scalp which is more sensitive.

Audace shampoo in the other hand is mild and is more suitable for those who has hair loss problem. The shampoo also clean the sebum of my scalp effectively but in the afternoon my scalp is not as oily as before. I believe the Audace pH shampoo may be too strong to my scalp and my scalp become too dry after using it induced more sebum eventually. But Audace pH shampoo might be good for certain user if their scalp is really oily.

Besides, my hair look fuller and thicker than before. Well, I must stress it just look fuller and thicker but in actual, my hair is not more than before. This shampoo in fact is suggested to use together with hair tonic. Since I do not believe male pattern hair loss can be treated by shampoo and tonic alone without Propecia, my expectation for this shampoo is just to do a scalp cleansing and not let my scalp oily in the late afternoon. This shampoo meets my expectation at least until now. Reduce hair loss through this product will be a bonus to me.

I do observe some reduction of hair loss. Not much, just the hair that I lose while rinsing my hair is less than before. However, the effect may be diminished after several months later.

There may be some people that do not like its smell. There are many of shampoos that cost a lot and claim can do a wonder job, to regain your hair. Don’t believe this kind of scam. The shampoo is just at best reduce your hair loss. To regrowth your hair, there is no choice but follow the prescription of Propecia and Finasteride (minoxidil).

This shampoo, worth a try. It did not burn a hole of your pocket even it failed.

Why Rogaine or Minoxidil is so expensive in Malaysia?

I have no answer actually why it is so expensive in local pharmacy.
One month supply of Rogaine will cost RM 170++ to RM 190++ (USD 53 to 58) for one month supply.
For generic minoxidil, it cost RM 130 above (USD 40) for a one month supply.
Surprisingly. the price that you can get online is very much different.
Just click my banner above you can know how cheap you can buy minoxidil online. As we all know, US dollar is depreciate recently but yet our local pharmacy never try to reduce the price. To be logic, it should at least 10% since USD depreciate more than that.
Let see the price offer by OnlyHairLoss.com.
First we compare two generic brand of minoxidil.

Follicare hair loss treatment minoxidil. It only cost you USD 19.50 for 2 months supply and 28.95 for 4 months supply.

Another brand of Minoxidil for men and women cost cost USD 6.99 if you purchase a 12 months supply. It is also 80% cheaper what you can get in malaysia pharmacy where generic minoxil also cost you Rm 130 a month.


Unfortunately Branded Rogiane that only supply in USA also cost a lot cheaper if you purchase online. 3 month supply Rogaine which is FDA approved to stop hair loss and regrow hair from OnlyHairLoss.com as low as USD 49.99 which is only one third of the price in Malaysia.

Even you include a shipment fee around USD 16, it is still a very good bargain.

Is Caryn Hairpro, or Ginverea Grorich really works for hair loss?

Grorich Hair Follicles Tonic A Revolutionary Method to Remove Dead Scalp Cells & Revitalize Follicles to Increase Hair Density Description: Dead follicles which result in hair fall are caused by dead scalp cells and poor circulation. Thus, the remedy is to remove dead scalp cells. Use Grorich Hair Follicles Tonic after shampooing to invigorate follicles. After using it together with Hair Follicles Tonic,hair fall will be greatly reduced, your scalp and hair follicles will be healthier and this will result in the increase in hair density and darker hair. Ingredients: Alcohol, Lentinus Edodes Extract (Bio Energy Fluid), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bioflavonoids (Bio Mineral Essence), Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract, Menthol, Methyl Paraben, Angelica Archangelica Extract, Capsicum Fructescens Fruit Extract, Cordyceps, Cornu Cervi Pantorichum, Ganoderma Extract, Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Extract, Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Extract, Radix Polygoni Multiflori Extract, Rice Extract (Bio Rice Fermentation Essence)

There some readers are keen to know about some Tonic and Revitaliser or Shampoo that claimed to be effective of hair loss. I would not write a review as I do not use it. But I have made some research of some of it before I have cheated by Yun Nam Haircare. You can read about Yun Nam haircare by clicking Yun Nam in my blog’s label.

Several products that claimed they are effectively and work like magic to stop hair loss. Among them is Caryn Hairpro, Audace hair regrowth products and the latest is Ginvera Grorich Hair Follicles Revitalizer & Tonic Kit.

All these products are quite similar one each other.

Caryn Hairpro cost you RM 150++ above (correct me as I don’t update the latest price). The pack consist a shampoo, a revitaliser and a bottle of tonic that can last about 2 months. There are another pack that only have revitaliser and tonic. You can also buy each of the item separately. Last time they were advertised in TVcommercial aggressively but it actually in the market quite a long time. However, it doesn’t mean it is effective. I have a friend who using Hair pro for over 6 months and he claims his hair has never improve or what Caryn Hairpro said, hair regowth. He suffered male pattern baldness like me. So no point suing this type of natural tonic or revitaliser which you don’t even know what is the ingredients inside.

Audace product is from Germany. I am using their shampoo but it is for oily scalp and not for hair loss or their tonic. I am quite satisfied with the oily hair shampoo. But if you think Audace hair loss product is effective for MPB. I am not so convincing. However, their products are much morte economical. Normally is RM 30 or below RM 40.

Ginvera Grorich is now having promotion with RM 158 you can have a revilatiser (100ml) and a hair tonic (100 ml) plus a free green tea shampoo (400 ml). Since it is new, I don’t know its effectiveness. To be honest, I do not think it will be better than the two products above. I think all these products is just suitable as supplement after you take Propecia or finateride if you suffer MPB. These products in their best, can only improve the scalp of hair loss that due to dandruff, sensitive scalp or some minor scalp problem. These products are definitely not for MPB that cause by hormone.

The best combination until today to fight (no cure) male pattern baldness is perhaps Propecia or finateride + Rogaine or Minoxidil. If you gonna to choose one of them, choose Propecia as it is the medicine that inhibit DHt in your body. Rogaine and Minoxidil can help to grow more hair but with Rogaine alone will not work much. However, combination of both (assume) you are using branded original will cost you at least RM 300 (USD 100) per month. If you used Generic, combination of both will be around RM 140++ (or USD 45++).

The choice is yours, but I strongly against those product that seem like magic to turn a almost bald man to full of hair in one year or less. If a strand of hair can only grow 1 cm per month, that must be instant effect of these products. I only suggest to use these product like tonic or revitaliser if you have extra money to spend and please do not expect much result. You will be disappointed if you did so. If you have applied minoxidil, you are advised not to use any of the tonic by Hairpro, Ginvera Grorich or Audace.

Keep your valuable money and pick a cheap Shampoo that suitable to your scalp. Don’t be manipulated by the people who take advantage to bald man like us. They give us hope, then they spoil our hope. They just want earn our money and give us empty promise.

So beware. For bald man, we must united. That’s why this blog is call bald man united.

Propecia and Rogaine (minoxidil), which one better

Propecia vs Rogaine , Propecia or Rogaine is many people's question if he really need to choose either one. I found some article that said, perhaps you should choose Propecia over Rogaine.
http://www.regrowhair.com/non-surgical-hair-loss-treatments/propecia-verses-rogaine/

Propecia (finasteride) is a pill that is taken orally in the dosage of 1mg of finasteride. It works to inhibit Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the hormone responsible for genetic hair loss.

Rogaine (minoxodil) is a topical formula applied to the balding area in the recommended dosage 1ml applied twice daily. Rogaine works by stimulating the hair follicle which may increase the hair shaft diameter and elongate the anagen (growing) phase - thus regrowing hair. Rogaine however, does nothing to stop genetic hair loss as it does nothing to inhibit DHT.

Taking both Propecia and Rogaine together are said to have a synergistic effect, thus being the best fighting force against hair loss when taken together. However, if one were going to choose one over the other - because Propecia inhibits DHT, it has a better chance of stopping hair loss than Rogaine that simply stimulates hair growth.

Of course, I recommend researching any hair loss medication and learn about the benefits, risks, and limitations before ordering it. I also recommend consulting with a medical doctor.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Propecia_or_Rogaine_better

Any medicine which is developed for use in America has to go through laboratory tests and clinical trials; after which it has to be approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) before it can be available to the public.

In America, the FDA has approved only two drugs, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) for use in hair loss. Men can use both the drugs but women can only use Rogaine and not Propecia. If you are not American, you should find out under which brand name these drugs are available locally.

• Propecia is available as a pill and has to be taken once a day with or without food. Propecia works by decreasing the enzyme activity that results in the formation of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is primarily responsible for male and female pattern baldness. By blocking the conversion of hormones into DHT it helps to maintain the existing hair as well as in assisting re-growth of thinning hair follicles. In male pattern baldness, during each cycle of hair growth, the hair becomes thinner and finer till it stops growing altogether. Propecia helps by making these thin strands thicker.

• Rogaine is a solution of which ten drops need to be applied on the scalp twice a day. Although the exact action of Rogaine is unclear, researchers believe that it primarily prevents hair from thinning but in some patients can also increase the protein blocks which in turn make the hair follicles sprout new hair. When Rogaine is applied where there are hair follicles, it works as a hypertrichotic agent that can actually promote hair growth.

For either of these drugs to work they need to be taken for long periods. Propecia has to be taken for at least 6-8 months after which if you see any difference in hair loss, you will naturally want to continue it. Rogaine has to be taken indefinitely as we keep getting new hair follicles which need to continually be treated with the drug.

For women there is no question of which is better as Propecia is not approved for their use.

For men, studies and clinical trials seem to suggest that Propecia is a better alternative than Rogaine. Rogaine has proved to be more useful in holding on to existing hair whereas Propecia does help in also promoting new hair growth. Even though this may be the case, each medicine has its own benefits and you may benefit more from one than the other. So really it boils down to being a personal choice and what works best for you.

Alpecin- Caffeine Shampoo

I write this because one reader has post in my blog and ask regarding this shampoo call Alpecin-Caffeine Shampoo. According to the websites, this shampoo can actually increasing hair and ensuing baldness. How much you believe it?
Many products that said to be stop baldness actually didn't work out. Male pattern baldness is due to DHT , I can not see any topical treatment including minoxidial actually works.
Here are some details I get from Alpecin official website. Although it claims to have no sides effect like Propecia, but the effects is under doubt.

First of all: hereditary hair loss is a genetic predisposition, not a disease. As such, it cannot be permanently cured but must be continuously treated. This is where Alpecin has proved valuable. The caffeine contained in Alpecin prevents the hair roots from following their hereditary propensity for increased hair loss and ensuing baldness.

Alpecin prevents hair loss – without any undesirable side effects.

When applied, it causes a fresh tingling on the scalp, its active ingredients travel along the hair sheath and form a depot sufficient for up to 24 hours.

Every morning, it will take just a small effort to ensure that the caffeine-based ingredient combination protects you from hair loss.

“Hair loss treatment must be performed early, regularly and over a longer time period, if it is to be successful.“

Dr. A. Klenk
Head of Dr. Kurt Wolff-Research

With its caffeine-based ingredient combination, Alpecin keeps the hair roots active and helps extend their growth phase longer than genetically predisposed: Counteracts premature hair loss; Increases hair root productivity; Enhances the speed of hair growth. The active ingredients are applied directly where they are needed. This way, Alpecin allows a high dosage without stressful impacts on the organism. Alpecin is available at drugstores, pharmacies and hair salons.

However, please try to play their baldness calculator. It test how old you will be bald. Apparently, I will be bald at 38 according to the test.

Audace PH performance Shampoo review

I have the oily scalp problem quite a long time. I have dandruff as well. Anyway, to fight the dandruff, I have used Selsun Blue . Normally, I will use it once or twice a week. Excessive used may damage your hair or scalp.
In normal days, I used "Clear" for dandruff. However, my scalp has become very oily in the afternoon while I am in the office.
I have used Audace PH performance shampoo for over 10 days by now. There are 4 types of Audace PH performance shampoo but I choose the one for oily scalp (green color). For a bottle of 200ml is RM 14.40 (USD 4.40) at Watson pharmacy.
At the first 3 days, my hair and scalp still a bit oily although it is improving than before. My scalp is noticeable far more better condition after 5 days and above. Now the hair is less oily although it is still a bit oily in the late afternoon, but it is much improve.
I think for those who have oily scalp, audace PH shampoo may help. These series of shampoo may also help those with dry or sensitive scalp since they have other series as well.
I like this Germany product as it is quite gentle. For dandruff I will continue with Selsun Blue. I also continue my 0.5mg Propecia.
I think a bottle of 250ml Audace shampoo and can last over 2 months. There are other series of shampoo and tonic from Audace but I am not convincing. You can try it as it is not so expensive.

How you know you have Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)

The first question you need to confirm (a male), is which type of hair loss you are facing. The most common hair loss that happen to a male is Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). Besides you can give doctor a visit to confirm, you can also determine yourself. But for treatment, you should visit a doctor for advice.


Norwood-Hamilton Classification

In the 1950's, Hamilton classified the patterns of baldness based on frontal and frontotemporal recession and vertex thinning. In the 1970's, Norwood improved on Hamilton's system and produced the seven category system. In addition to developing this classification system, Norwood also showed that young men in early stages of baldness will progress steadily in degree of hair loss as they grow older.
Type I
The Type I category is characterized by no recession or by very minimal recession along the anterior border of the hairline in the frontotemporal region.
Type II
Type II is characterized by triangular areas of recession along the anterior border of the frontotemporal region. These tend to be symmetrical and extend no further than 2 cm back from the natural hairline. Hair is also lost to a lesser extent along the midfrontal border of the scalp.
Type III
The Type III classification is the minimal extent of hair loss sufficient to define baldness. Deep, usually symmetrical, frontotemporal recessions are bare or very sparsely covered with hair. The Type III vertex classification involves little frontal loss, with hair loss mainly in the vertex area.
Type IV
The Type IV classification involves a frontal and frontotemporal recession, which is more severe than Type III. A sparseness or absence of hair in the vertex area is evident, and areas of recession are separated from each other by a band of moderately dense hair that extends across the top of the scalp.
Type V
The Type V classification is basically the same as Type IV, but each area of baldness is larger. The band of hair across the crown is narrower and sparser.
Type VI
In the Type VI classification, the band of hair across the crown is gone, and the entire area of hair loss has increased laterally and posteriorly.
Type VII
Type VII is the most severe form of male pattern hair loss. All that remains is a narrow horseshoe of hair which begins just in front of the ear and extends around the back of the scalp and neck. This remaining hair is not dense and is frequently fine.