Dizziness, diarrhea, acne: US approves hair loss pill – despite side effects

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Around 147 million people worldwide suffer from circular hair loss, also known as alopecia areata. “They are often misunderstood and their experiences are often downplayed as ‘just her’. However, it is a serious autoimmune disease,” said Nicole Friedland, president and executive director of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

The disease usually takes an exponential course. Initially, only small areas of the scalp are usually affected. But the disease spreads and later hair can fall out all over the body. A new drug should prevent this – and bring the hair back.

Effective in 23 percent of those affected

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer announces that its drug Litfulo has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in severe cases of alopecia areata. In the coming weeks, it will be launched for patients aged 12 years and older.

Angela Hwang, Pfizer’s Chief Commercial Officer and President of Global Biopharmaceuticals, said, “The approval provides the opportunity for youth and adults struggling with significant hair loss to achieve significant scalp hair growth.”

718 patients were involved in the testing phase. They all had 50 percent or more hair loss on the scalp. After six months, 23 percent of participants had 80 percent or more hair coverage.

variety of side effects

However, the drug is not suitable for everyone. “People over age 50 with at least one heart disease are at increased risk of death,” Pfizer said in a statement. In addition, the drug can cause blood clots and weaken the immune system. Even an increased risk of developing cancer is reported. However, these symptoms are rare. The most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, acne, rash, fever, dizziness and herpes zoster.

There is still no approval for the new drug in this country. However, Pfizer announces that it has submitted registration dossiers in China, the EU, Japan and the UK. The European Medicines Agency has accepted the marketing authorization application. A decision can be expected in the coming months. (Mrs)

Source: Blick