On First-Line Treatments for Hair Loss

To earn the position as a first-line treatment is a privilege

When we think of treatmetns for hair loss, we typically divide them into groups accordingly to their safety and efficacy. We generally call the starting treatments “first-line” treatments, and treatments that we might consider down the road if first-line treatment do not prove helpful as “second-line” treatments followed by “third-line” treatments.

The position of first-line is earned

To earn the rank of being considered a “first-line” treatment for any given medical condition is a privilege that comes only with time and only with demonstration of the treatment being effective in repeated high-quality, independent medical studies. There is an incorrect perception among many physicians and much of the general public that new treatments automatically become first-line treatments. All new treatments start off as second-line or third- line treatments and must proceed to then earn their place at the top of the list as first-line treatments. If they are truly superstars, this upward promotion will happen rather quickly.