THE androgenetic alopeciabetter known as baldness, it is a genetic characteristic that worries a significant part of the population. Although many consider it just a cosmetic issue, the truth is that this condition affects around half of men worldwide by age 50, as well as around 10% of women. Although it is not considered a disease, baldness can profoundly affect the self-esteem and well-being of people who suffer from it.
Treatments available, such as lotions containing minoxidilthey often appear on pharmacy shelves. These solutions promise to combat hair loss, but are not always able to prevent the condition from progressing. Despite this, they are considered safe options, as significant side effects are rarely reported. However, new findings suggest that minoxidil use may have unexpected consequences in the family environment.
How can minoxidil affect children and cause this syndrome?
THE Pharmacovigilance Center of Navarralocated in Spainidentified an unusual and potentially dangerous phenomenon related to the use of minoxidil by parents of newborns. Children exposed to the medicine may develop hypertrichosisalso known as “werewolf syndrome“, characterized by excessive hair growth. In severe cases, the condition can affect the heart and kidneys of newborns, raising further concerns about their health.
The first indication of this problem was observed in a child who began to show abnormal hair growth after frequent contact with his father, who used minoxidil 5% lotion. As soon as the father stopped taking the drug, the child’s symptoms disappeared.
What are the ways to prevent the syndrome?
Healthcare entities are acting quickly to mitigate this risk. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has already determined that the information in minoxidil package leaflets needs to be updated to warn of the potential risk of hypertrichosis in children. Proper use of lotions, including thorough hand washing after application, is strongly recommended to avoid inadvertent exposure to children.
Why are men more affected than women?
It should be noted that reported cases of hypertrichosis in newborns usually involve male parents. This is because androgenetic alopecia is more common in younger men, often coinciding with the stage in life when they become fathers. In women, this condition tends to appear later, usually during or after menopause, which explains the lower incidence of these situations.
The distinction between the formulations used by men and women also contributes to this difference. For men, 5% minoxidil solution is more common, while women tend to use 2% concentrations.
Conclusions drawn from previous cases of hypertrichosis
Although worrying, this situation is not entirely new in Spain. In 2019, a labeling error caused an epidemic of the syndrome in infants due to accidental ingestion of syrups formulated with minoxidil, improperly packaged as omeprazole. Despite the initial scare, the affected children recovered, but the situation highlighted the need for continued vigilance and caution in the use of potentially dangerous drugs.
Recent results highlight the importance of pharmacovigilance as a crucial tool in preventing risks associated with drug exposure. Centers, such as the one in Navarra, play a fundamental role in the analysis and reporting of adverse events, ensuring the implementation of corrective measures to protect the most vulnerable.
Source: Terra
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