Blair's heart scare possibly caused by minoxidil

A study, cited in the recently released book "In Sickness and in Power: Illness in Heads of Government During the Last 100 Years" by Lord David Owen, suggests former English Prime Minister Tony Blair's heart scare in 2003 was caused by Regaine, a brand of minoxidil.

Certainly, this puts the safety of the drug in question in minds of many bald men. But let's not forget that the drug warns of several heart-related side effects, so don't say they never warned you. To be safe, let's run through some safety instruction for minoxidil (Rogaine, Regaine, etc.) from Drugs.com.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using minoxidil topical and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• chest pain;
• irregular or very fast heartbeats;
• dizziness or lightheadedness; or
• fainting

Continue to use minoxidil topical and talk to your doctor when it is convenient if you experience

• itching, redness, dryness, or flaking of the scalp
• a headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.