Man Sues Over Hair Loss Drug Allegedly Causing Disability
A lawsuit has been filed against Trima and Padagis, manufacturers of minoxidil-based hair loss products, and Israel's Ministry of Health, alleging that a popular over-the-counter medication led to severe disability. The suit, brought by attorney Ran Shapira on behalf of a man identified as S., claims the plaintiff experienced extensive hair loss, skin damage, and systemic health issues after using a 5% minoxidil solution.
Initially, S. saw improvement in his hair growth, but soon developed skin irritation that spread to his eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and body hair. The lawsuit states his hair structure changed, and he suffered swelling and skin lesions. Medical examinations reportedly revealed significant thinning of his skin. Genetic tests on S. and his parents did not reveal a hereditary cause for his condition.
Further systemic symptoms included weakness, muscle and joint pain, chest pressure, rapid heartbeat, blood pressure fluctuations, fluid retention, and metabolic disturbances. Doctors initially struggled to link his condition to the medication, attributing some symptoms to hair loss. Eventually, two physicians concluded S. suffered from "minoxidil dependence," with his condition worsening significantly when the drug's effect diminished.
He is now reportedly forced to use minoxidil twice daily to avoid a sharp decline in his health. A medical opinion attached to the lawsuit by internal medicine specialist Prof. Moti Raviv asserts a clear causal link between minoxidil use and damage to hair follicles, skin, and mucous membranes, as well as systemic symptoms. Raviv suggests the substance migrated to other body parts, causing dependence and, due to skin barrier damage, increased absorption into the bloodstream. He assessed S. with approximately 60% permanent physical disability.
The lawsuit also claims S. suffered severe personal and professional setbacks, leading to depression and a 50% psychiatric disability, rendering him unable to work. The suit alleges manufacturers stopped warning about risks like dependence, skin damage, and systemic absorption, which were previously included in product instructions. It also points to discrepancies in warnings between different minoxidil products, even with the same active ingredient, citing "Hairgain" by Perrigo as an example of a product that previously had more extensive warnings.
Shapira argues that the over-the-counter availability of minoxidil makes warnings crucial, as it doesn't require medical supervision. He believes S. would not have used the product if the risks had been clearly stated. The lawsuit also accuses the Ministry of Health of approving incomplete instructions, failing to ensure consistent warnings for similar products, and inadequately monitoring product safety and user information. The plaintiff seeks at least 2.5 million shekels in compensation.
Trima stated that "Minoxid is a long-known and safe drug" and that it complies with all regulations, adding it will present its position in court. The Ministry of Health acknowledged receiving the lawsuit and will present its position during the legal proceedings. Padagis had not responded by the time of publication.
