Off-Label Treatments

Sometimes, drugs can be versatile. We don’t find out about the multi-purpose uses of a drug until we see it in action. This happened to hair loss treatments Rogaine and Propecia. They were originally for treating blood pressure and prostate respectively until someone noticed that they grew hair too. It took several years for the FDA to approve them for hair use. Of course, there are still plenty of off-label treatments for hair loss that have not made the FDA rounds as of yet.

To totally understand what off-label treatments means, here is a definition: Off-label treatments are those which are prescribed by a doctor for one ailment, even when they are not approved for that specific type of problem. There are still plenty of off-label treatments for hair loss out there. Here is an overview of some of them:

Avodart

This FDA approved drug was originally for the use of an enlarged prostate. However, just like with Propecia, it was found to have stimulated new hair growth. Now, while Avodart is currently among the off-label treatments for hair loss that could change in the future.

Retin-A

This FDA approved drug is originally used for many types of skin conditions and have been effective for acne. Retin-A also enjoys life among the off-label treatments for hair loss too. When applied to the affected areas of the scalp, especially in conjunction with another hair loss treatment, it stimulates the hair follicles to produce new growth.

Aldactone

Aldactone is prescribed for hormonal acne. When your body changes, especially women, during hormonal periods, you could get a severe outbreak of acne. Aldactone is also on the list of off-label treatments for hair loss because it has been known to block DHT from damaging the hair follicles. In turn, your follicles can continue to grow hair instead of falling out.

When it comes to off-label treatments, there are quite a few more listed above that are aimed at hair loss. Some are appropriate for men only due to the potential side effects on women and vice versa. For some, especially those that were originally blood pressure medications, these off-label treatments are more appropriate for both men and women.

Unless you do your research, you will likely not really know many off-label treatments for hair loss. Your doctor would be the one to be up on this avenue of treatment. It is up to you as to whether you wish to follow it.