January 2020 in “Current trends in diagnosis & treatment”
The review suggests doctors should carefully weigh risks and benefits of off-label drug use, involve patients in decisions, and calls for better regulations and monitoring.
8 citations,
August 2018 in “International Journal of Dermatology”
The document concludes that doctors should carefully consider off-label drug use in dermatology and always inform patients, while more research is needed on the safety and effectiveness of such practices.
The conversation provides a six-step guide on how to get a prescription for oral minoxidil (OM) for hair loss by finding a supportive dermatologist, even if they are not local, and preparing a case for its use during a virtual consultation. The guide emphasizes the importance of research, insurance considerations, and the potential for initial hair shedding with OM treatment.
Dutasteride is less commonly prescribed for hair loss because it is not FDA-approved for this purpose, unlike finasteride, which is more accessible and preferred due to fewer side effects. Dutasteride may be more effective in reducing DHT but has a longer half-life and potentially more significant side effects.
A woman with androgenic alopecia has been using birth control, spironolactone, finasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss. She sought to change her medications to dutasteride and bicalutamide, but her new dermatologist refused to prescribe them for off-label use.
Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.
A 22-year-old male has been using oral finasteride for a year with no improvement in hair loss and was denied dutasteride by a dermatologist due to FDA approval issues but was prescribed oral minoxidil instead. The user is seeking advice on whether to switch to dutasteride, continue finasteride, or add minoxidil.