Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil 2% Solution in Combination With a Botanical Hair Solution in Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss/Androgenic Alopecia.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) also known as female androgenic alopecia, affects over 21 million women in the United States with devastating effects on self esteem and psychosocial functioning. Topical minoxidil 2% and 5% formulations are the only US Food and Drug Administration approved treatments for FPHL. The length of time it typically takes to observe the benefits is a challenge for many patients, and may affect adherence to treatment. Herbal extracts, which are also believed to promote healthier looking hair, have a long history of use in hair care formulations. The safety and efficacy of a twice daily regimen of 2% minoxidil solution used in combination with the botanical hair solution for 12 weeks in 54 subjects was evaluated in a multicenter, single arm, open label study. Assessments included investigator and subject ratings of improvement and subject satisfaction. Investigator ratings indicated significant improvement in hair growth and overall treatment benefits in as early as 6 weeks (P<.001) Subject self ratings indicated significant satisfaction with hair volume and quality improvement at week 6 (P<.001) Subjects also indicated an increase in self confidence and attractiveness at week 12 (P<.001) The investigator and subject assessed efficacy and subject satisfaction with this regimen provides clinicians with an effective treatment option for FPHL that also provides a high level of patient acceptance, which ultimately may help promote minoxidil treatment adherence.
Journal of drugs in dermatology JDD