Minoxodil horror story

[Stella]

I am a mixed-race woman in my fifties. Last November, I attended a well known London Trichology Centre for advice on traction alopecia caused by too many years of braiding. I was persuaded to hand over more than £800 for a course of Minoxodil. I was given the hard-sell, and the potential side effects (including 'a slight increase in facial hair') were seriously down-played. I was assured that only 1% of clients had them and that the risk of me experiencing any side-effects were 'very slight'.

Within a month of using the product, I had developed dark rings around my eyes, heart palpitations and occasional chest pains. My cheeks were covered with fine black hair, my hairline had began to merge with my eyebrows and I developed a moustache. I have never experienced facial hair prior to this - the most I've ever done was pluck my eyebrows. When I went back to speak with the senior trichologist about these problems and queried why I had been given such a high dosage when the safe dosage for women is apparently only 2%, I was told that they give all their black clients with traction alopecia 12.5%. She admitted that the prevalence of facial hair growth amongst black women was common and that the worst she had seen was a half-inch growth of hair around the jaw-line (in other words, a beard). Despite this, I was advised that the symptoms I'd experienced weren't life-threatening and to continue to use a smaller amount of the product. I refused.

I have since been to my doctor who has confirmed that the dosage of Minoxodil was much too high and that my blood pressure, which has always been low, is now abnormally high. She has referred me to a dermatologist for facial hirsutism and has advised me to monitor my blood pressure regularly.

I am so angry and distressed, I'm considering legal action. The thinning hairline I was so worried about pales into insignificance now that my face is covered in hair. I am keen to hear from anyone who had had a similar experience of Minoxodil. I am also looking for a solicitor who would consider acting on my behalf.

[doke]

i think the clinic maybe beginning with bel, as i will not give full name,i contacted them a long time ago by phone but was not impressed with there sales patter,how are you getting on have you been to see your gp?

[Anxious1]

the sad fact is, doctors and dermitologists usually only use fda approved stuff, apart from the good ones that take risks with alternatives. and the fda has only provided the balding world with minoxidil and finasteride.

so thats wat we get. a million different versions of minoxidil and finasteride. thats wat makes wat this community does so important, because hopefully soon we can put an end to these crap drugs.