Medics have warned pet owners of a common over-the-counter health product that is so toxic to animals just one lick of it on a person’s hands could kill.
Dr Joe Whittington, a US-based medic with over 2million followers on TikTok, issued an alert about the common hair-loss medication minoxidil.
Sold under the brands Rogaine and Regaine, minoxidil comes as foam or liquid that boosts hair growth.
However, Dr Whittington said those that take it need to be aware of the little-known danger it can pose to pets.
‘It’s so toxic that even the smallest exposure can be life-threatening, especially to cats, because their bodies don’t have the ability to metabolise it,’ he said in a recent video that’s been viewed 790,000 times.
‘Just walking across the residue or licking it off your skin can cause severe toxicity.
‘Protect your furry friends by washing your hands, cleaning spills, and storing it out of reach. Your hair journey doesn’t have to put their lives at risk!’
Minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but was also found to increase blood flow to the scalp, increasing hair growth.
Medics have warned pet owners to beware a common over-the-counter health product that is so toxic to animals just one lick of it off a person’s hands or their paws could kill. Stock image
Foams and liquid solutions of the drug are increasingly popular online, sold by chemists for as little as £20.
While available on the NHS in its blood pressure form, minoxidil isn’t available on the health service for hair loss as it is considered an aesthetic problem.
A survey of over 1,500 Brits by Lloyds Pharmacy suggested almost a fifth of men have tried an over-the-counter hair loss treatment such as minoxidil.
The medication can be used for both men and women suffering genetic related hair loss as well for patients who have lost hair as a result of treatment for cancer.
While, as Dr Whittington highlighted, minoxidil foams and solutions also pose a particular threat to pets, humans are also at risk from ingesting the drug.
Patient safety leaflets state it is for external use only and if accidentally swallowed patients should go to hospital immediately.
It also advises washing your hands thoroughly after applying it to the scalp.
