A BLAST from the past hair pill may be a modern cure for baldness, medics say.
The classic hair-loss formula popular in the 80s is seeing a steady comeback due to its reported effectiveness.
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Called minoxidil, it once acted as an important component of hair maintenance foams like Rogaine, the New York Post reported.
While it originated as a blood-pressure medication, a small dose of the chemical affects the growth of human hair, dermatologist Dr. Amanda Doyle explained to the outlet.
“The pill is typically inexpensive compared to other treatment options; it can be overall more cost-effective for some patients,” she said.
“I think it’s good that people are getting a little bit more aware of it. There’s a lot of literature on it, so I’m surprised it hasn’t been more front and center.”
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Because it has yet to be approved by the FDA, the pill is prescribed unapproved, the "off label," way.
Dr. Robert Swerlick is department chair and professor of dermatology at Emory University School of medicine.
He said: “I tell people most things we do are off-label because there is nothing on-label."
As a medication, minoxidl causes "temporary increase in hair growth in most people," according to Mayo Clinic.
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While the pills stimulate hair growth first on the "back, arms, legs, and scalp," the hair will "stop growing" after treatment has ended, the site says.
Weight gain, bloating, chest pain, and flushing or redness of the skin, are all side effects listed by Mayo Clinic for the medication.
Side effects are definitely present, but Doyle feels positive about the future of the drug.
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“We’ve got a good amount of things that we can do for hair loss for men and women now, which is great,” she said.
Regardless of its FDA status, those experiencing side effects from taking minoxidl can call 1-800-FDA-1088.
