Thoughts on Xeljanz to regrow hair and reverse hairloss

[Tyler]

In the last couple of days there have been quite a bit of buzz regarding the arthritis drug Xeljanz and how it helped Kyle Rhodes, a man with Alopecia Areata, regrow a full head of hair, eyebrows, and other hair. 

Many of the reports that I read talk about how it can regrow hair, but very few mentioned the side effects until I read the CNN article that I read above.  It mentions that side effects can include cancer and infections such a tuberculosis. 

My fear is that many guys will get their hopes up and think this is something they can use despite understanding the risks associated with.  As the CNN article clearly explains, Xenjanz is not designed for men with male pattern baldness and shouldn't be used as such.

What are your thoughts?

[slybeard]

If I am not mistaken, the other drugs used to regrow hair were drugs that were developed and intended to treat something else and they noticed they had some affect on hair growth.  All of these drugs have side effects and those side effects have to be weighed against the benefits.  I do not understand why MPB is now considered by so many as an illness that needs to be treated.  But I do understand that there is a lot of money to be made in the medical cosmetic field. 

If I were wealthy, I am sure I would look into liposuction, but since I am not wealthy, it is diet and exercise for me.  So I guess we are all vain to some point.

[Razor X]

I can understand why people feel anxiety over the prospect of losing their hair but I really can't relate to those who can't deal with it once the hair is lost.  I would love to be taller, thinner, and I could come up with a whole list of things I'd change about my appearance if I could.  The one thing I don't want is hair.  I wish it weren't so difficult to get people to understand that being bald is really not a problem.

[warhawk]

Hi Tyler:  For me, I would not take a medication to re-grow my dome with a full head of hair.  I love my super, smooth dome too much. 

WARHAWK

[slymyke]

I saw a quick blurb about this earlier.  They didn't show any pictures and were vague.  While  they did say it was accidentally found as a side a effect from an arthritis drug and was helpful for those suffering from alopecia, they sure made it sound like there would be a cure for baldness!  I figured they did this to gain support and research dollars from all the men who wood fall prey to believing this could be a reality.   I'm just glad I don't want hair on my head anymore. 

Earlier today, on a long walk in the sunny trails near our home, my head was sweating  like crazy and I was saying how I was glad I didn't have a hairpiece.  I always knew they would not be for me.  I really never liked wearing hats or having anything on my head and really don't think I could stand to have hair on my head again.

[mangosink12572]

Hair is not for me- - - -I enjoy the bald look and feel and I agree with Razor  - - - -I would like a lot of other things but "NOT HAIR"

[Cave Dweller]

The drops I use to control my Glaucoma started out as a vanity drug to grow longer eyelashes, but they showed the side effect of lowering the pressure in the eyes. I hate the fact that I will have to use them daily for the rest of my life, but I really would rather do that than lose my sight. My lashes now make my wife jealous.

Finasteride/Propecia and Dutasteride/Avodart started out as medications to treat enlarged prostates. Hair regrowth sometimes was one side effect for men who took them. Personally, though, I have no desire to try to alter my body chemistry unless it is for a serious problem. While the prostate or arthritis might be on that level, hair loss never was nor will be.

Sadly, I have fear there always will be men who are so are scared and desperate enough about losing their hair that they will spend their money and risk screwing up their bodies in order to get their hair back. The pharmaceutical companies are more than happy to assist them in that endeavor.