The FDA Ain’t Perfect

I rely on your blog as an authority in Hair Transplant information as well as hair loss information, but I don’t understand why you guys have absolutely no faith in any treatments that are not backed by the FDA. You have lots of people on here claiming that they are getting results from other treatments and you just waive those off with, “well the FDA hasn’t said anything about Nioxin so I doubt have any real benefits” or Regenix or Nizoral.

If we wanted the advice of the FDA we could manage to find their website, but then again they are the federal body that told us Rezulin and Vioxx were okay.

So my question really is why be so close minded to alternative treatments other than lasers, minoxidil and finasteride. We get that those have been approved by the FDA, but why not look more closely at the alternative treatments that have not been approved or even looked at by the FDA, instead of just non-chalantly poo-pooing anyone on here you seems to have good results from them.

Anyways, great blog regardless. Thanks for all of your contributions.

I’ve never told anyone to flat out “do not use that product” unless I knew it to be harmful to them. Most of these products are a waste of time and money, and when I’m asked about my opinions I’m going to provide them. There is no regulation on many of the products I’m asked about, and countless companies will take advantage of the balding public’s desire for hair growth. In fact, I’ve often told people that write in with positive experiences with a non-FDA approved hair treatment that I’m glad they’re getting good results and to continue using it as they see fit. However, as a medical doctor I’m not going to recommend possible garbage to thousands of people that visit my site daily. I will, however, recommend proven treatments that have been tested and shown to be safe.

Yes, the FDA isn’t perfect. I’ve addressed that topic many times. But until something better comes along, it’s what we have. I’d certainly trust the FDA before I’d trust most messages posted by anonymous people on internet boards just eager to tell you all about the latest new hair loss cure that they happen to be selling if you click their affiliate link. I mean, the last time I looked, the FDA didn’t have links to buy the products they approve… but I can’t say the same thing for those people that spam web boards. Oh, and for the record — I think the hair lasers are also a scam and I’ve been highly critical of them (they’re not FDA approved, just cleared for safety).