FDA Issues Warning: CT Scans Reported To Cause Hair Loss and Other Serious Injuries

The Food & Drug Administration said Tuesday that it will be taking steps to regulate the three most potent forms of medical radiation. With that, it will require that manufacturers of certain CT scanning equipment redesign machines to incorporate safeguards aimed at reducing patients’ exposure to radiation.

The decision comes on the heels of several recent alarming reports of accidental overdoses of radiation from miscalibrated CT scanning machines.

Last October, Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles disclosed that more than 200 patients had accidently received extremely high levels of  radiation during CT scans of their brains.  The FDA later stated that patients were exposed to eight times the amount of radiation typically used during the a CT scan, and that accidental exposure to very high amounts of radiation can cause severe injuries, such as burns, radiation induced hair loss, cataracts, and cancer.

[Read more]

FDA Warns HairMax LaserComb Makers About Illegal Sales of Non-FDA Cleared Devices

Los Angeles – U.S. Regulators have warned Lexington International, the makers of the highly touted and controversial HairMax LaserComb, to shape up or ship out.

In an FDA warning letter issued to David Michaels, Managing Director of Lexington International, LLC on May 22, 2008, FDA inspectors cite that the HairMax LaserComb® Premium and SE models, that are currently being sold to the public, differ from the cleared HairMax LaserComb in dose rate, method of delivery, and/or treatment parameters. According to the FDA these changes could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of these devices and therefore, pursuant to 21, CFR 807.81 (a)(3)(i), new 510(k) submissions are required in order to legally market these devices.

Interestingly enough HairMax LaserComb makers warn consumers about purchasing fraudulent, or less than effective laser devices on their own marketing website. [Read more]

Where Are The HairMax Lasercomb Studies?

Dear Spencer,

Months ago when you interviewed David Michaels, one of the inventors of the HairMax Lasercomb, he said that he was going to give you a copy of the study that Lexington presented to the FDA in order for the Lasercomb to gain market clearance, did you ever see the study, and if so what were your thoughts or any experts thoughts on it? – Chris

————————
Dear Chris,

I never did receive that study. The truth is I still haven’t seen any substantial evidence that the HairMax Lasercomb can effectively treat hair loss to any appreciable degree. I’m still waiting.

Regards,

Spencer Kobren

Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)

What Is Your Opinion of Kevis Hair Rejuvenation, Inc. ?

What is your opinion of Kevis Hair Rejuvenation, Inc. I have considered buying this product, is it just a snake oil?

Thank You,
Shayne
- – - – - – - – -

Dear Shayne,

At this point there is no conclusive evidence, that I am aware of, that shows Kevis to be an effective treatment for the prevention and treatment of hair loss. It’s important that hair loss consumers understand that there are only two FDA approved medications to treat hair loss, and that hair loss is indeed a medical condition that needs to be addressed medically. This means that you should see a doctor when seeking effective treatment for this condition.

Simple rule of thumb: If the product is not FDA approved or recommended by the the American Hair Loss Association stay clear.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Spencer Kobren
Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)