Efficacy of Off-Label Topical Treatments for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

January 2019 in “ Clinical Drug Investigation ”

Anik Gupta, Rachel R. Mays, Sarah G Versteeg, Neil H. Shear, Vincent Piguet, Bianca Maria Piraccini

androgenetic alopecia latanoprost procyanidin oligomers pyrithione zinc shampoo herbal extract AGA Prostaglandin analog Procyanidin Zinc shampoo

TLDR Some off-label treatments increase hair density, but long-term safety unknown.

The paper reviews the efficacy of off-label topical treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men. The study found that several treatments, including latanoprost and procyanidin oligomers, had a significantly higher mean change in hair density compared to placebo. Eight off-label therapies showed positive results, including pyrithione zinc shampoo, latanoprost, and a herbal extract. However, long-term efficacy and safety data are required. The authors suggest that hair loss needs should be addressed individually, as both off-label and approved treatments that work for one person may not work for another.

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