Alan J. Bauman M.D.'s personal notes--www.BaumanBlog.com

Use of Avodart/Dutasteride While My Partner is Pregnant

Q:  Can I Use Avodart(Dutasteride) While My Wife/Partner Is Pregnant?

NOTE:  Due to the risk of a birth defect in a developing male fetus, Propecia/finasteride or Avodart/dutasteride should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

 

However, according to scientifc research, it appears that when Avodart(dutasteride) is used by the male partner during pregnancy, no problems with the fetus will occur as a result of the medication. This is based on data that looked at the effect of doses up to 16 times the amount of Avodart/dutasteride normally found in semen. These studies were done in a species of monkeys that closely resembles humans when looking at fetal development.  However, if you are a man taking Avodart, it is extremely important that your pregnant partner not touch any broken or crushed Avodart/dutasteride capsules. Unbroken capsules are safe because they have a protective coating.

 

This is the simlar kind of research that was performed on Propecia/finasteride prior to its FDA-approval, which has also been reported to be safe for use in the male while the female partner is pregnant. Similar recommendations and warnings have been made regarding broken/crushed tablets of Propecia/finasteride.

 

For other questions about the use of Avodart/Dutasteride or Propecia/Finasteride during pregnancy, email doctorb@baumanmedical.com

 

Allergan confirms work toward bimatoprost for scalp hair

By direct email correspondence this week with Dr. Bauman, an official Allergan representative confirms the rumor that Dr. Scott Whitcup (Allergan's Executive VP of R&D) mentioned during a recent Q2 earnings conference call that they (Allergan) are in the "very early stages of exploring different formulations of bimatoprost to stimulate hair growth on the scalp."    The representative described that Allergan's "near-term focus in this area will be on idenfying the appropriate formulation, initiating preclinical studies required for the FDA and working toward a sNDA submission."   

Allergan's eyelash growth drug, Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03% solution), received FDA-approval for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis in December of 2008.  

http://baumanmedical.typepad.com/follicleblog/2008/12/latisse-from-allergan-gets-fda-approval-for-eyelash-growth.html

"Ask the Hair Doctor" event at the Greenroom Salon / Boca Raton / Aug 26th 6pm

In honor of Hair Loss Awareness Month, the general public is cordially invited to attend a very special hair loss/hair restoration educational event called "Ask the Hair Doctor" graciously hosted by The Greenroom Salon / 21330 St. Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton on August 27th at 6pm with hors d'oeuvres and drinks.  Limited seating is available, so RSVP by calling Linda at 561-394-0024 or emailing concierge@baumanmedical.com.

 

Dr. Alan J. Bauman, board-certified hair restoration physician, will be on-hand to answer questions regarding the myths and misconceptions about male and female hair loss as well as eyelash and eyebrow restoration treatments and procedures.

Botox for Hair Loss

From migranes to wrinkles to sweaty palms, muscle-paralyzing BOTOX has been a 'wonder-drug' of sorts. However, I'm skeptical about Dr. Ourian's hair raising 'discovery' now hitting the UK press(The Sun) and making the rounds again on FOX news:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528411,00.html

Back in February 2009, when the story originally broke in the U.S., I mentioned to some patients that the hair regrowth Dr. O. observed in his mother might have something more to do with her recently stopping chemo (regrowth typically takes 12-14 months after chemo) than with the Botox injections for her headaches.

Botox for hair loss would be quite a long-shot (not to mention, expensive!) especially considering there's no published, peer-reviewed articles and not a single photo of a result, anywhere!

For now, hair loss patients are best to stick with the FDA-approved treatments/procedures recommended by board-certified hair docs.

On a separate, but releated topic, Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a colleage and friend in Canada/BC registered a clinical trial with the US-NIH on Botox for Alopecia Areata back in 2006,  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00408798, but no recruitment has started.

 

Predict Your Propecia Response with a New Genetic Test For Male Pattern Hair Loss

Thinking about starting Propecia (finasteride), but are unsure if it will work for you?    A new genetic test which predicts your “Finasteride Response” is now available from Dr. Alan Bauman at Bauman Medical Group.   The Genetic Test for Finasteride Response can predict whether you are a good candidate for medical treatment with Propecia (finasteride)—the only oral fda-approved treatment for male pattern hair loss.    

Is taking Propecia (finasteride) worth it?   The Genetic Test for Finasteride Response will help determine if you are likely to have a slight, moderate or great treatment response to finasteride.   Knowing your predicted response to finasteride will help you decide if you should start or continue treatment.

What does the test tell you?  The Genetic Test for Finasteride Response provides men with a score, called the ‘CAG repeat’ score.   A smaller CAG repeat score is associated with an increased response to finasteride for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.  Scientists discovered that among men that had the best response to Finasteride, approximately 70% had a CAG score below 22, while men that had a subtle response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score above 22.

The Genetic Test for Finasteride Response is a painless, non-invasive, cheek-swab which takes just minutes to perform.  Results from the genetic test performed on the sample are reported in just a few weeks.

The original Genetic Hair Loss predicts your chances of experiencing severe hair loss.

SPECIAL OFFER:  New Propecia patients can receive a FREE Genetic Finasteride Response Test at the time of their initial consultation with Dr. Bauman for a limited time (expires 6/12/09).   This is a limited time offer from Bauman Medical Group and some restrictions apply.   For more information on the FREE Genetic Finasteride Response Test, email doctorb@baumanmedical.com or call 561-394-0024.

 Propecia is a trademark of Merck & Co. Inc.

HairDX Genetic Hair Loss Test Now Predicts Finasteride (Propecia) Response

HairDX Introduces Genetic Test For Finasteride Response

Breakthrough Test Helps Doctors Determine Best Treatment To Save Patients’ Hair

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, MARCH 9, 2009

– Molecular dermatology research and development innovator PharmaGenoma, Inc. and its subsidiary HairDX, LLC (www.hairdx.com), pioneers of genetic tests for predicting the risk of male and female hair loss, today introduced HairDX RxR - a breakthrough genetic test for predicting Finasteride response for the treatment of common hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).

The announcement was made at the annual meeting of The American Academy of Dermatology. HairDX RxR, the Finasteride response genetic test, is available now and carries a suggested retail price of $199.

Finasteride is the active ingredient in medications used by doctors to help prevent patient hair loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). The threat of a sexual side effect often deters patients from using Finasteride because they are uncertain that there will be enough of a benefit to warrant the risk. Others are discouraged by the slow progress of hair growth combined with the cost of Finasteride, and quit the therapy before they see results.

The HairDX RxR genetic test for Finasteride response will help doctors predetermine if patients will have a subtle, moderate, or great treatment response to Finasteride, allowing the physician to provide patients with the best treatment regimen to save their hair.

Currently one of the most widely prescribed medications, Finasteride, works by blocking the production of the androgen called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia. For many years Finasteride therapy, which blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), has become a mainstay to treat AGA. This treatment is an effective means to stabilize hair loss, and in some cases to strengthen and re-grow lost hair.

The Androgen Receptor gene has been identified as a major determinant of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), commonly called male pattern baldness. Certain variants of the nucleoside sequence on the Androgen Receptor gene, known as CAG repeats, appear to determine androgen sensitivity in men. The HairDX Genetic Test for Finasteride Response provides doctors with a patient score, called the CAG repeat score.

“A smaller CAG test score is associated with an increased response to Finasteride for treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia,” says a HairDX Chief Medical Officer. “ Scientists discovered that among men that had the best response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score below 22 while among men that had a subtle response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score above 22.”

In summary, what will the HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test tell me?

• The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride Response provides men with a score, called the CAG repeat score
• A smaller CAG test score is associated with an increased response to Finasteride for treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
• Scientists discovered that among men that had the best response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score below 22 while among men that had a subtle response to Finasteride approximately 70% had a CAG score above 22

Find out your chances of getting a good result from Finasteride with the HairDX(RxR) test, available now at www.baumanmedical.com in Boca Raton, FL.

 

"Generic" medications, like finasteride/Propecia and others...

A common question from patients is regarding the purchase of "cheap" prescription medication (especially generics) from so-called "Canadian," or other overseas webistes.

 

It has been well-established that buying prescription medications over the internet is fraught with problems.   For example, “generic” overseas finasteride pills are not FDA-approved.  Federal law prohibits importing drugs that are not FDA-approved, regardless of whether there’s a foreign or domestic prescription.   U.S. Customs officials may seize and destroy all non-approved drugs.  The FDA has issued warnings regarding counterfeit and/or illegally-diverted medications from bogus websites that ‘appear’ legitimate.  Most often, the problem with web-based pharmacies (if the medication is actually real) is that the potency, quality, storage of the drugs is drastically inferior to US standards.   Here are just a few of the places for more info on this common issue…

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/consumer/buyonline/guide.htm

http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/faqs.html

http://www.healthatoz.com/atoz/healthupdate/alert02152000.html

http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/default.htm

http://www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/rpm_new2/ch9pers.html

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/100_online.html

http://www.customs.gov/imp-exp2/ipr/stats/tcommod00.htm

http://www.customs.gov/travel/med.htm

http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/inetrade.htm#restricted

http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/tools/archives/vol1n02/phas.htm

http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/tools/archives/vol1n03/presmed.htm

http://www.the-surfs-up.com/news/news1vs2.html

http://www.fda.gov/ola/2003/pharmsales0327.html

 

Probably the main concern I have as a physician is that patients may have difficulty evaluating the benefits of the medication if they are not being properly tracked and examined in a medical setting.

 

Recession Buster: Compounded Finasteride Now Availible

About.com reports that Compounded Finasteride Saves Patients

Compounded Finasteride prescriptions are available to Bauman Medical patients*.  Compounded finasteride can be a lower-cost alternative to the name brand and uses the SAME active ingredient in conjunction with other ingredients and using a different preparation.  NOT an overseas “generic,” the medication which contains finasteride is custom-compounded and dispensed by a U.S. pharmacy that is FDA-licensed and FDA-registered.   "Off-label" medications, formulations and their dosages are not approved by the FDA, so be sure to speak with your physician to find out the risks and benefits.  *Please note that ALL prescriptions require a consultation with a physician.    (High-percentage, customized minoxidil preparations are also available.)   Email me at doctorb@baumanmedical.com for more information.  http://hairloss.about.com/b/2008/08/22/new-finasteride-treatment-helps-balding-men-in-recession.htm

Men's Health Magazine: Expert Advice on Hair Loss

This article was an excellent overview of the medical treatments available to stop the progression of hair loss.   FDA-approved therapies [like Minoxidil/Rogaine, Propecia/Finasteride], as well as Low Level Laser Therapy, and other 'off label' medical treatments [Avodart/Dutasteride] were mentioned.   It is important to know that by the time most men seek medical advice for thinning hair, they are most likely going to need combination therapy using a medical treatment (like those mentioned above) as well as hair transplantation to reach their restoration goals. 

Been Caught Stealing...

NPR.org

Diversions
Bald Man Held for Theft of Hair-Loss Treatment
Morning Edition, September 13, 2007 · Mark Hoousendove dropped some friends off at Sing Sing to visit an inmate. With a little time on his hands he decided to do a little shopping — and allegedly a little stealing. Though he's bald, police say he ran off with five bottles of hair loss treatment from a local pharmacy. Price of the hair treatments: $50. Price of bail: $3,000.

Dr. Bauman adds: "Dreaming of a full head of hair while spending the night in jail... PRICELESS!"

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14379645&sc=emaf