Medication confusion turns babies into 'werewolves'

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products has confirmed at least 17 cases of babies who developed "werewolf syndrome" following a confusion over medications. Officially known as hypertrichosis, the rare condition is characterized by abnormal hair growth. Some cases are mild, but there are more severe situations, causing hair to grow all over the body, including the hands and face.

But how did 17 babies see werewolves overnight?

According to the Spanish authorities, they all took an omeprazole-based syrup, which relieves the symptoms of colic, so common in babies. However, when analyzing the contents in the laboratory, it was found that the drug's formula also contained considerable levels of minoxidil, a compound used to treat male alopecia and baldness, stimulating hair growth.

The syndrome

Hypertrichosis is incredibly rare, with less than 50 officially documented cases worldwide. The cause is unclear, although experts believe it may be linked to genetic disorder, malnutrition, the presence of a malignant tumor or, as in this case, the effect of a drug.

To date, Spanish babies "only" have experienced excessive hair growth, but should be followed for further evaluation in the coming months. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical company responsible for the drug has already taken all the contaminated batch from the market.