J Drugs Dermatol

Study finds shortage of drug used off label for hair loss

November 10, 2023

A New York Times article, “An Old Medicine Grows New Hair for Pennies a Day, Doctors Say,” incited interest in low-dose 2.5 mg oral minoxidil for the off-label management of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Researchers evaluated current inventories of the drug at mainstream pharmacies in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas and concluded that there was a shortage of the medication, presenting a significant challenge not only for dermatologists managing AGA but also for primary care physicians using this medication on label.

• Researchers evaluated current inventories of varied dosages of oral minoxidil at mainstream pharmacies at four retail chains—CVS, Giant, Walgreens, and Harris Teeter —with approximately even distribution among suburban, urban, and rural towns in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).
• During the first week of October 2023, 277 pharmacies were contacted to assess the availability and quantity of 2.5-mg and 10-mg oral minoxidil.
• Only 40.1% (111/277) of all contacted pharmacies in the DMV reported availability of low-dose oral minoxidil 2.5-mg tablets for a 30-day supply; 29.6% (82/277) of the same DMV pharmacies reported having oral minoxidil 10-mg tablets to cover the same time frame.
• When stratified geographically, Maryland showed the greatest deficit in oral minoxidil availability.
• These findings suggest a significant care gap resulting from oral minoxidil 2.5 mg and 10 mg shortages within the DMV, which could potentially translate to the national level.

Source:

Desai, S et al. (2023, October 26). Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. The potential impact of off-label medication use on patient access: a cross-sectional survey of minoxidil availability. https://jddonline.com/articles/the-potential-impact-of-off-label-medication-use-on-patient-access-a-cross-sectional-survey-of-minoxidil-availability-S1545961624P8027X/