A number of children have developed ‘werewolf syndrome’ after taking treatment for their growth issues.
A medical journal revealed the phenomenon, explaining that 11 out of 18 patients in the study developed hypertrichosis, a rare condition characterised by excessive hair growth.
The children were all suffering from Achondroplasia, a common form of Dwarfism, as reported by Need To Know.
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For treatment and to enhance their bone growth, the children, aged two to 10, were given subcutaneous vosoritide, which increases the length of bones that are still growing.
The study noted that excessive hair growth appeared to be the only issue with the treatment, and the children did not exhibit any signs of other detrimental side effects, such as advanced bone age.
Thankfully, when the children stopped the medication, the excess hair caused by hypertrichosis – also known as werewolf syndrome – fell out.
The phenomenon did not occur until the children had been on the medication for at least three months.
The study explained: “None of the patients discontinued treatment due to hypertrichosis. However, two patients temporarily interrupted treatment due to supply issues.
“In both cases, the excess hair fell out after 1 month without treatment. In one of these patients, reintroduction of vosoritide led to the regrowth of thin hair in the same body areas.
“This adverse event was not documented in any regulatory agency prescribing information.
“As hypertrichosis appears to be a relatively common pharmacological event, families should be informed about this possibility prior to initiating treatment.”
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