Jaygee
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Some of you might have read complaints of dry, itchy, flaking, or even red scalps after starting minoxidil, and been intimidated by this. From personal experience, I can tell you that, for some people, the issue of brand-name versus generic DOES make a big difference.
I've been on minoxidil for 19 months. When I started, I began straight away with generic, CVS brand 5%. There were a few months of flaking and slight itchiness, but nothing drastic. A few months ago, I went to buy more, and all the store had left was brand-name Rogaine, which I had never used. Since it's supposed to be identical, I got it. Immediately, I got the worst dandruff I've ever had. Anti-flaking shampoos didn't help. The flaking was relentless and the itching was pretty bad. I dropped the stuff altogether for a month, and then got back on generic. No problems at all.
I cannot think of any explanation for this, since the ingredients lists on the two products were identical. The itchiness would logically be caused by a higher alcohol content, but the amounts given on both bottles were the same. Despite this, there is clearly some kind of difference between Rogaine and at least one generic brand--CVS. I can't speak for RiteAid or Kirkland.
I have no idea if this has any effect on how effective the stuff is on your hair, but I wanted to make people aware that, due to small, unacknowledged ingredients differences (most likely in the alcohol content, despite what the bottles say), one company's minoxidil might be rough on your scalp while another might be much gentler.
Everyone is different, of course, but I think people should be aware of this possibility.
I've been on minoxidil for 19 months. When I started, I began straight away with generic, CVS brand 5%. There were a few months of flaking and slight itchiness, but nothing drastic. A few months ago, I went to buy more, and all the store had left was brand-name Rogaine, which I had never used. Since it's supposed to be identical, I got it. Immediately, I got the worst dandruff I've ever had. Anti-flaking shampoos didn't help. The flaking was relentless and the itching was pretty bad. I dropped the stuff altogether for a month, and then got back on generic. No problems at all.
I cannot think of any explanation for this, since the ingredients lists on the two products were identical. The itchiness would logically be caused by a higher alcohol content, but the amounts given on both bottles were the same. Despite this, there is clearly some kind of difference between Rogaine and at least one generic brand--CVS. I can't speak for RiteAid or Kirkland.
I have no idea if this has any effect on how effective the stuff is on your hair, but I wanted to make people aware that, due to small, unacknowledged ingredients differences (most likely in the alcohol content, despite what the bottles say), one company's minoxidil might be rough on your scalp while another might be much gentler.
Everyone is different, of course, but I think people should be aware of this possibility.
