Hims, Keeps, and Boots Pharmacy: The Hidden Risks of Online Hair Loss Treatments
As online pharmacies and telehealth companies like Hims, Keeps, and Boots Pharmacy grow in popularity, many people are turning to them for quick access to treatments for hair loss. While these platforms offer convenience, they often fail to fully disclose the potential risks associated with these treatments. Understanding these risks is crucial before you decide to start treatment.
The Convenience and Appeal of Telehealth
Telehealth companies like Hims and Keeps have made it incredibly easy to begin a treatment plan for hair loss. With just a few clicks, you can have products delivered to your door without ever visiting a doctor’s office. These companies market themselves as providing a seamless and modern healthcare experience, often targeting younger men in their 20s and 30s who are looking for quick solutions to hair loss.
Similarly, Boots Pharmacy, a well-known UK-based pharmacy chain, offers hair loss treatments through its online platform, making them accessible to a wide audience. While these services are undeniably convenient, they may not provide the comprehensive medical advice and risk disclosures that a traditional healthcare provider would.
The Serious Risks of Persistent Side Effects
One of the most concerning risks associated with these treatments is the potential for persistent side effects that can linger even after stopping the product. These side effects can include sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and severe psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. Despite the seriousness of these potential outcomes, the connection between these treatments and persistent side effects is often downplayed or dismissed by telehealth providers.
As a patient charity, we have heard from numerous individuals who have shared their experiences of being inadequately informed by telehealth companies about the potential for persistent side effects. Many of these individuals were not made fully aware of the risks before starting their treatment. This lack of transparency is concerning, as it leaves patients unprepared for the potential long-term consequences. For proof of these firsthand accounts, you can watch testimonials from affected individuals on the Moral Medicine YouTube channel.
For example, Keeps acknowledges the existence of persistent side effects but refers to them as a “non-medical term” with disputed links to the treatment. They emphasize that the condition is rare and suggest that the symptoms may not be directly caused by the treatment. This kind of messaging can be misleading for consumers who may not fully understand the complexities of side effects and the ongoing debates within the medical community.
Even though persistent side effects may be rare, the impact on those who suffer from them can be devastating. It is crucial for potential users to be aware of these risks and to ask their healthcare providers specific questions about the long-term safety of these treatments. For a deeper dive into the current research, visit our PFS Research Page.
Incomplete Disclosure of Risks
A significant issue with purchasing hair loss treatments from telehealth companies like Hims, Keeps, and Boots is the potential for incomplete disclosure of risks. Unlike traditional healthcare providers, who are bound by strict regulations and ethical guidelines, telehealth companies operate in a space where the pressure to prescribe can sometimes outweigh the duty to fully inform.
Dr. Adrianne Fugh-Berman, a pharmacology expert at Georgetown University, has pointed out that some telehealth providers may prioritize prescribing over patient safety. This is particularly concerning with products that have well-documented side effects that may not always be adequately communicated to patients.
For instance, while Keeps mentions some side effects, including sexual dysfunction and mood changes, they often frame these risks in a way that minimizes their potential severity. This can lead users to underestimate the importance of monitoring their health while on the treatment.
What You Should Ask Before Starting Treatment
If you are considering taking a hair loss treatment or are already using one, it’s essential to be proactive in understanding the risks. Here are some questions you should ask your healthcare provider:
- What are the specific risks associated with this treatment, including the possibility of developing persistent side effects?
- How should I monitor my health while using this treatment, particularly in terms of sexual function and mental health?
- What should I do if I start experiencing side effects, and how quickly can they be expected to resolve after stopping the treatment?
- Are there alternative treatments for hair loss that may carry fewer risks?
Being informed and asking these questions can help you make a more informed decision about whether this treatment is the right choice for you.
Conclusion
While the convenience of obtaining hair loss treatments through telehealth companies like Hims, Keeps, and Boots Pharmacy is appealing, it’s important to approach this convenience with caution. The risks associated with these treatments, particularly the possibility of developing persistent side effects, are real and should not be overlooked. Ensure that you are fully informed about these risks and that you engage in a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
For more detailed information on the risks associated with these treatments and persistent side effects, visit our comprehensive resource page.
Your health deserves careful consideration, and it’s crucial to be fully aware of the potential long-term effects before making a decision that could have serious consequences.
