Using foreign AGA drugs may be effective in some cases, but there are some important caveats. Below is a summary of risks and considerations regarding the use of overseas AGA medications.
1. Regulation and safety
- Differences in regulations: Each country has its own standards for drug approval and regulation. Drugs that are not approved in Japan may be used in other countries. Therefore, care must be taken when using drugs with different regulatory standards [56†source][57†source].
- Safety confirmation: When purchasing medicines from overseas, it is important to check whether the medicines are provided by a reputable pharmaceutical company or purchased from a legitimate pharmacy. Purchases from unreliable sellers should be avoided due to the increased risk of counterfeit medicines [55†source].
2. Effects and side effects
- Confirming the effect: Whether foreign medicines are as effective as domestic medicines depends on the product. It is important to choose a drug that has been proven to be effective, based on clinical trials and doctor’s recommendations [56†source].
- Side effect: All medicines have a risk of side effects. In particular, foreign medicines have different ingredients and manufacturing processes, so unexpected side effects may occur. It is important to consult your doctor and fully understand the side effects of the medicines you are using [57†source].
3. Doctor’s consultation and prescription
- Doctor’s consultation: It is important to consult your doctor before using foreign AGA medications. Your doctor will consider your health condition and interactions with other medications you may be taking and provide appropriate advice [55†source].
- Prescription drug use: If possible, it is safest to use medications prescribed by your doctor. Prescription drugs are used under the supervision of a doctor, which helps ensure their safety and effectiveness [56†source].
4. Risks of overseas mail order
- Risk of counterfeit drugs: When purchasing medicines from abroad over the Internet, the risk of counterfeit medicines increases. It is important to buy from trusted sites and verified sellers [57†source].
- Guaranteed quality: It is sometimes difficult to check whether the quality of overseas medicines is guaranteed. It is recommended to check the reputation of the manufacturer and the transparency of the manufacturing process [56†source].
Summary
It is possible to use foreign AGA treatment drugs, but there are some important points to keep in mind, such as differences in regulations, the risk of counterfeit drugs, and confirmation of efficacy and side effects. Consulting with your doctor and purchasing from reliable pharmaceutical companies and sellers can help ensure safe and effective treatment.
References
- healthline: Hair Loss Treatments
- WebMD: Finasteride (Propecia) for Hair Loss
- Mayo Clinic: Hair Loss Medications
- FDA: Beware of Fraudulent and Unsafe Hair Loss Treatments
