What are Unlicensed Medicines for Hair Loss?

It can be concerning to hear that the hair loss treatments are unlicensed (also called off-licence) medicines.

When a healthcare provider prescribes an unlicensed medicine or treatment, it doesn’t mean they’re going rogue. Prescribers can use their professional judgement to safely prescribe unlicensed medicines if they feel it’s the best treatment for their patient.

It might sound like a medicine is being prescribed unethically or unsafely, but off-licence prescriptions are quite common. In some cases, they can be the best treatment option.

What does Unlicensed mean?

The term unlicensed or off-licence is used to describe medicines which are used outside the terms of their UK licence or that have no licence for use in the UK.

Before prescription medicines are introduced to the general public, they’re tested in clinical trials to make sure that they’re safe. These trials also test whether the medicine is effective at treating the condition it’s been designed for.

Researchers collect scientific evidence and set up guidelines for each new drug before the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) evaluates the data. It’s a complex and costly process that can take years, but once a drug is approved for a given use, it’s considered “licenced” and safe for that specific use.

During the study phase, researchers may observe that the medicine is displaying other positive effects beyond just the intended condition. Although it’s not what the medicine was initially approved for, these are noted in the research and a healthcare professional may prescribe it for those bonus effects in the future.

When we prescribe an unlicensed medicine, it doesn’t mean it’s illegal, nor are you becoming part of some unknown experiment. There are plenty of good reasons for prescribing off-licences.

Why use an Unlicensed Medicine for Hair Loss?

Why would we prescribe something unlicensed? The most common reason:

• It doesn’t have a licence in the UK because it’s not available on the NHS.

This is the principal factor for the unlicensed medicines we supply at Oxford Online Pharmacy.

Because the NHS (the biggest purchaser of prescription medicines in the UK by miles and miles and miles) doesn’t cover treatment for Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenic Alopecia, the manufacturers of these medicines have no real incentive to get these products licensed here in the UK. The demand is likely perceived as too small to spend the time and resources pursuing MHRA licensing.

Medicines in the same class frequently have similar or even identical effects on the body. These drugs also share similar side effects, so healthcare providers are often comfortable substituting a licensed medicine which might not have worked for a patient with a similar unlicensed one.

What are the disadvantages of using an unlicensed treatment?

Proper prescribing of an unlicensed medicine relies on the expertise of an experienced clinician who is familiar with the medicine and the condition being treated and is aware of any potential complications or interactions.

If you would like to speak to us more about the unlicensed medicines we offer a consultation about finding the right hair loss treatment for you, email us at  yehs@yourexcellenthealth.org or call us on  +44 (0)20 3868 6581.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unlicensed medicine?

The word unlicensed or off-licence refers to medicines that are used outside the terms of their UK licence or do not have a permit for use in the UK.

When a healthcare provider provides an unlicensed prescription or treatment, it does not imply that they have gone rogue. Prescribers can use their professional judgement to safely prescribe unlicensed drugs if they believe it is the best option for their patient.

Can I use this solution with any other hair loss medicines?

You shouldn’t use this product with any other pharmacy-strength hair loss treatments, however, if you have an over-the-counter treatment like Alpecin C1 caffeine shampoo, it is safe to be used alongside this solution. If you are unsure, get in touch and one of our medical experts will be happy to advise you.

What will happen If I stop using the treatment?

When you discontinue the use of this treatment, your hair loss will return. This product works best when it is used constantly once a day.