Hair loss can be frustrating and impact your confidence. The good news is there are new FDA-approved treatments available to help. This article explains how these treatments work and what makes them effective.
Read on to learn about the new FDA-Approved Hair Loss Treatments You Need To Know About!
Key Takeaways
- Minoxidil, approved by the FDA since 1987, increases hair density by 12–18% in 48 weeks and treats male and female pattern baldness.
- Finasteride reduces DHT levels by up to 70%, helping men regrow scalp hair within 3-4 months but may cause side effects like dizziness or erectile dysfunction.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses laser devices to boost weak follicles and shows results in 6–12 months for androgenic alopecia.
- Ritlecitinib (LITFULO™), FDA-approved on June 23, 2023, helps severe alopecia areata patients aged 12+ with a daily dose of 50 mg; trials showed at least 80% hair coverage after six months for some users.
- Deuruxolitinib (LEQSELVI™), approved July 26, 2024, treated adults with severe alopecia areata in studies where over half reached a SALT score of ≤20 using an oral medication twice daily.
FDA-Approved Hair Loss Treatments
The FDA has approved several treatments to help with hair loss. These options focus on promoting hair regrowth and treating different types of alopecia.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine, was the first FDA-approved treatment for androgenic alopecia. It works as a topical solution and comes in 2% or 5% concentrations. Patients can choose between foam or liquid forms for use on their scalp.
This treatment is proven to help with hair regrowth over time. Studies show it increases hair density by 12–18% within 48 weeks of consistent use. Some common side effects include skin irritation, dermatitis, and unwanted hair growth in areas like the face.
Minoxidil has been a game-changer for many dealing with thinning hair and bald spots.
Dermatologists often recommend starting with lower concentrations to minimize side effects. This product treats both male and female pattern hair loss effectively when used regularly.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral medication for treating androgenic alopecia in men. It works by lowering DHT levels, a hormone linked to hair loss. Studies show it can reduce DHT levels by up to 70%.
This helps stop hair thinning and promotes scalp hair growth.
The standard dose is a 1-milligram tablet taken once daily. Results may appear after 3-4 months of use. Side effects include dizziness, weakness, skin rashes, or erectile dysfunction.
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting this treatment for alopecia to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is FDA-approved for androgenic alopecia. It uses laser devices like combs, caps, helmets, or brushes to treat hair loss. These devices stimulate hair follicles and help improve scalp health.
People often use them daily or a few times weekly.
Treatment results usually show within 6 to 12 months of consistent use. LLLT is an effective option for men and women facing hair loss due to androgenic alopecia. This therapy offers a non-invasive way to reverse hair loss without medication or surgery.
Ritlecitinib (LITFULO™)
LLLT treats hair loss with light therapy, while Ritlecitinib (LITFULO™) targets severe alopecia areata. Approved by the FDA on June 23, 2023, it is recommended for people aged 12 and older.
This treatment works as a JAK inhibitor to address scalp hair loss caused by an autoimmune disease.
Patients take a daily 50 mg dose of LITFULO. The ALLEGRO Phase 2b/3 clinical trial showed promising results. After six months, 23% of patients regained at least 80% scalp hair coverage.
This makes it an effective option for extensive or severe cases of alopecia areata approved by the FDA.
Deuruxolitinib
Deuruxolitinib, also called LEQSELVI™, received FDA approval on July 26, 2024. It treats severe alopecia areata in adults. This autoimmune disease causes hair loss when the immune system attacks hair follicles.
The typical dose is 8 mg taken twice daily.
Clinical studies showed strong results. Over 95% of side effects were mild or moderate. Both 8 mg and 12 mg doses helped patients achieve a SALT score of 20 or less in just 24 weeks.
The higher dose provided even better outcomes for people with extensive hair loss caused by alopecia areata.
Benefits of FDA-Approved Treatments
FDA-approved treatments ensure safety and effectiveness. Minoxidil has been helping hair growth since 1987, offering options like 2% or 5% solutions for different needs. It works for both men and women with androgenic alopecia.
Finasteride targets DHT, a hormone causing hair loss in men. It provides precise results by blocking this hormone. Low-Level Laser Therapy boosts weak follicles without invasive methods.
These approved options give people reliable ways to manage various types of hair loss safely.
Conclusion
Hair loss treatments have come a long way. New FDA-approved options like deuruxolitinib bring hope to those with severe alopecia areata. Safe and effective solutions are now available for many types of hair loss.
Talk to a dermatologist to find the best treatment for you. Better hair health may be closer than you think!
FAQs
1. What are FDA-approved treatments for hair loss?
FDA-approved hair growth products include medications and therapies designed to treat different types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata and scarring alopecia.
2. What is the first FDA-approved treatment for severe alopecia areata?
The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug that blocks specific immune responses as the first effective treatment for severe cases of alopecia areata.
3. Can adolescents use FDA-approved treatments for hair loss?
Yes, some FDA-approved treatments can be used by individuals 12 years and older to address conditions like alopecia totalis or other forms of hair loss on the scalp.
4. Are there new treatments available for people with autoimmune-related hair loss?
New treatments have been developed to help people with autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, which causes patchy or widespread hair loss.
5. Is every type of hair replacement product FDA-approved?
No, not all products marketed for treating or replacing lost hair are FDA-approved; it’s essential to verify their safety and efficacy before use.
6. How do dermatologists determine the cause of your hair loss?
Dermatologists analyze factors like medical history, type of baldness (such as male pattern baldness), or underlying conditions like autoimmunity to recommend appropriate options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
References
- https://hairscience.org/news/fda-approved-hair-loss-treatment/ (2023-02-14)
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34159872/
- https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/fda-approves-pfizers-litfulotm-ritlecitinib-adults-and
- https://www.naaf.org/news/fda-approves-litfulo-ritlecitinib-for-adults-and-children-ages-12-with-severe-alopecia-areata/
- https://www.naaf.org/news/fda-approves-leqselvi-deuruxolitinib-for-adults-with-severe-alopecia-areata/ (2024-07-26)
- https://www.ajmc.com/view/fda-approves-deuruxolitinib-for-alopecia-areata (2024-07-26)
- https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2024/08/fda-approved-hair-loss-drug