From the Guidelines
Apomorphine is not recommended for hair loss treatment. It is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms and erectile dysfunction, not hair loss. For male or female pattern baldness, FDA-approved treatments include topical minoxidil (available over-the-counter as Rogaine in 2% or 5% solutions applied twice daily to the scalp) and oral finasteride (Propecia, 1mg daily for men only) 1. These medications work differently: minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles and prolongs the growth phase, while finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which contributes to hair follicle miniaturization.
Other options include:
- Low-level laser therapy devices
- Platelet-rich plasma injections, which have shown a significant increase in hair density and thickness compared to controls 1
- Hair transplantation for more advanced cases
- Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections, which may have a greater potential to regenerate hair than platelet-rich plasma (PRP) due to its longer release of growth factors 1
If experiencing hair loss, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment, as hair loss can result from various conditions beyond pattern baldness, including nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or other medical conditions. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that PRF is a valuable treatment for managing androgenetic alopecia, particularly in mild cases.
From the Research
Apomorphine for Hair Loss
- There is no mention of apomorphine in the provided studies as a treatment for hair loss 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies discuss various treatments for androgenetic alopecia, including minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma, but apomorphine is not mentioned as a potential treatment option.
- Apomorphine is not listed as a treatment for hair loss in any of the studies, and its efficacy for this purpose is not discussed 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.