In the world we live in, patients can get their advice from many sources (in person, print, radio TV, internet) and many individuals can give advice.The individual who gives advice has an ethical responsibility to only give advice if they are well versed in the area and to give advice irrespective of any underlying motive (profit etc). However, the individual receiving advice has a responsibility to do his or her "homework" to determine the overall validity of the advice given.Make sure those individuals giving you advice about the next precious years of your hair are well versed in everything about the medication you are wondering about and alternatives to it. If you feel they are, decide how you wish to proceed. The responsibility ultimately lies with the patient.In general, when you meet with an individual who offers you advice be sure to take along your question list:Can they quote the actual clinic trial data for the drug? How often was this reportedHow many patients have they seen and treated? Of those, how many times have they personally seen the side effect?What scientific proof do they have to make the statement about these side effects based in scientific studies?What is their background training in hair loss?What conflict of interest (if any) do they have in making the statement. Do they have any gain in stating a side effect?Just ask these questions and make a list of other questions whenever you get advice on your health. It may ultimately help guide you on whose advice to follow.
