Hair loss
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      Latanoprost

      What is latanoprost?
      Latanoprost is a prescription treatment that functions similarly to the hair growth factor prostaglandin F2.

      Why is latanoprost part of my treatment plan?
      Your genetic profile indicates that the ability of the prostaglandin F2 receptors would benefit from the application of latanoprost to stimulate the receptors and improve hair growth. The PTGFR-1 receptors are the three prostaglandin F2 receptors we measure in the Nimbus Hair DNA Test.

      Is topical latanoprost effective in Alopecia?
      Topical therapy with latanoprost 0.05% to 0.1% has increased hair thickness, length, and pigmentation. Latanoprost is thought to recruit hairs to enter and maintain the growth (anagen) phase.1-3

      Are there adverse effects while using topical latanoprost?
      Topical latanoprost is well tolerated. Adverse events associated with therapy include redness at the application site, skin pigmentation, burning, and hair follicle irritation.1-3 The absorption of latanoprost from the skin to the bloodstream is unknown. Data from administration to the eye shows minimal systemic absorption with quick clearance from the blood, and many of those who chronically use latanoprost for glaucoma have undetectable blood levels.4

      Why do I need to keep taking latanoprost?
      Latanoprost should be used once or twice a day as prescribed by your physician. Continuous use for four months is recommended before evaluating treatment response. Hair shedding may occur at the initiation of treatment as hair follicles are being stimulated to reenter the growth phase, but this frequently subsides within two months. Hair growth usually occurs within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. Hair loss will occur over several months if treatment is stopped because of the nature of the hair growth cycle. Latanoprost is not a cure for hair loss; it is a treatment.

      Medication Summary: Latanoprost

      References
      1) Blume-Peytavi U, Lönnfors S, Hillmann K, Garcia Bartels N. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the efficacy of a 24-week topical treatment by latanoprost 0.1% on hair growth and pigmentation in healthy volunteers with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;66(5):794-800. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.05.026
      2) Amal Ahmad El-Ashmawy, Iman Hamed El-Maadawy & Gamal Mohamed El-Maghraby (2018) Efficacy of topical latanoprost versus minoxidil and betamethasone valerate on the treatment of alopecia areata, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 29:1, 55-64, DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2017.1330527
      3) Bhat S, Handa S, De D. A randomized comparative study of the efficacy of topical latanoprost versus topical betamethasone diproprionate lotion in the treatment of localized alopecia areata. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2021;87(1):42-48. doi:10.25259/IJDVL_787_19
      4) Sjöquist B, Stjernschantz J. Ocular and systemic pharmacokinetics of latanoprost in humans. Surv Ophthalmol. 2002 Aug;47 Suppl 1:S6-12. doi: 10.1016/s0039-6257(02)00302-8. PMID: 12204697.