FDA investigates reported adverse events with WEN hair cleansing products

The FDA has announced it is investigating reports of adverse reactions, including hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching and rash, associated with the use of WEN by Chas Dean Cleansing Conditioner products.

As of July 7, the agency had received 127 adverse event reports from consumers about the products, which is “the largest number of reports ever associated with any cosmetic hair cleansing product, including cleansing conditioners,” the FDA MedWatch safety alert reported. The agency reported that it also is investigating more than 21,000 complaints reported directly to Chaz Dean Inc. and Guthy Renker LLC that the FDA became aware of during inspections of manufacturing and distribution facilities.

There has not been a determination of a possible of the adverse events reported, according to the release.

Physicians and other health care providers are being asked by the agency to notify their patients of hair loss and other complaints related to the products.

“Consumers who experience a reaction when using WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products should stop using the product and consult with their dermatologist or other health care provider,” the FDA stated in the press release. “The agency also urges consumers to report to the FDA any reactions they may have experience when using the products.”

The FDA has requested the company “provide any data that might help us to better understand the reports of hair loss associated with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing products,” according to the release.

The FDA has asked health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events related to the products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report or by calling 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form.

Reference: www.fda.gov