Understanding Meds

[HairHunter]

Hi Guys,
I'm a little uneducated when it comes to the topic of meds so I decided to start a thread of questions some of the experts might be able to help with. I like many have stayed away from meds for fear of side effects. I still have miniturised hair throughout the top of my head, in a dark room I look like I have a full head of hair, standing under a 100w lamp it looks like I've none! I'm hoping to have an fue procedure with Dr. demirsoy later in the year, if I can strengthen what I have im hoping I can have a solid result worry free for about 5 years. And so my questions;
When starting meds in the lead up to a procedure what is the best time period to start pre procedure?
Is it best to start both minox and propecia at the same time or is it better to start with one and follow with the other
Should either med be stopped in the run up to a procedure and if so how soon?
If stopping meds before a procedure how soon after should you restart?
Propecia dosage; for those fearing side effects, is there a way of taking the tablet less frequently which limits the chances of side effects but doesn't reduce the effectiveness of the drug? Eg if I take propecia once a week there is little or no chance of sides and the dosage is 70% as effective as recommended dosage (all fictional figures to explain my question)
If anybody else has any questions feel free to add.
Thanks for reading HH

 

[Bigmac]

I would say it's best to start both as early as possible before surgery, preferably a minimum of 6 months to see how you respond but if you aren't able due to time frames I would again say the sooner the better.
Minoxidil is required to be stopped approximately two weeks prior to surgery, best to check with your doctor on this.
It's approximately two weeks after to restart but again double check with your doctor.The recommended dosage is 1% per day for finasteride but you could start off with half the amount to see how you react and if no sides gradually increase it to the recommended level.
How many grafts are you looking at receiving.

 

[bangor]

I started Propecia 4 weeks prior to surgery and Regaine 3 weeks after... It's 2 years since I had my surgery, everything is good, some strengthening and new growth from the meds, my transplanted hair looks great... Only regret is I wish I started the meds earlier.

 

[ad]

When I first used Propecia I had a slight pain in my head... more of a drowsy worn out feeling. After two weeks I think my body adjusted itself causing the drowsy headache feeling to go away... 9 mths later I'm still pain free with no other signs of any problems.
Do your research, educate yourself before deciding if it's for you. It's payed off for me.

 

[Jessop]

I have never had any side effects using finasteride. I don't it has helped me at all either but it might be slowing the hair loss down. It's cheap enough so I'll keep using it in case I stop and my loss accelerates.