Not a magic wand
Despite the increased profile and interest, oral minoxidil is not a cure-all, clinicians said.
“It’s important for patients to realize that hair loss can be complicated and there is no one magic wand,” said Dr. Simmons-O’Brien. Clinicians typically “are using several things to help encourage these follicular units to not miniaturize and disappear and create scars,” she said.
Dr. Friedman said he finds that patients have a hard time hearing that to continue to maintain growth, they have to take a medication for the rest of their life. “If you stop, you will have to start again,” he said.
Oral minoxidil, when used in combination with other therapies, will improve hair growth, said Dr. Goldberg. But it will not take someone back a decade, she said. “I try to temper expectations – promise a little and achieve more,” Dr. Goldberg said.
The study was independently supported. Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones report no relevant financial relationships. Dr. Simmons-O’Brien reports that she has received speaking fees from Isdin. Dr. McMichael disclosed relationships with Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Nutrafol, Revian, and UCB Pharma. Dr. Friedman, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Talakoub reported no disclosures.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.