17 children fell ill with 'werewolf syndrome' due to drug manufacturer error

More than a dozen children in Spain were diagnosed with werewolf syndrome after a mistake that resulted in drugs used to treat hair loss being sold as a cure for heartburn for children. Writes about it USA Today.

Фото: Depositphotos

The Spanish Agency for Drugs and Medical Devices confirmed an outbreak of hypertrichosis, commonly known as “werewolf syndrome,” after parents reported 17 cases in three regions of Spain. The disease causes excessive hair growth on the face, hands, neck and other areas, which leads to the fact that the victims look like werewolves.

All parents of injured children bought over-the-counter omeprazole, which is commonly sold in the United States as Prilosec, for treatment of heartburn.

The agency's investigation found that one Spanish drug maker, Farma-Química Sur, made a drug labeling error that resulted in children accidentally consuming minoxidil, the active ingredient in another drug that causes hair growth.

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Children who have repeatedly taken incorrectly labeled omeprazole have developed hypertrichosis, as a result of which hair quickly grows on the child's forehead, cheeks, arms and legs.

Farma-Química Sur has since been banned from producing any medicine, and until this incident is resolved, all omeprazole has been withdrawn.

What is a werewolf syndrome?

Werewolf syndrome, also known as hypertrichosis, is excessive hair formation in one specific area or throughout the body.

It is unclear what causes congenital hypertrichosis, but it can be transmitted genetically.

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Other cases may be associated with improper use of minoxidil, which can be applied topically or orally.

In these cases, the “werewolf syndrome” is temporary and will disappear with time after stopping the medication.

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