Hair (loss) and drug side effects
Hi, I'm new. I'm urgently waiting to see rheumatologist as my ordinary doctor (and me) are alarmed that I have severe symptoms likely to be caused by P A. So I expect to be offered a drug regime. Because both my parents are bald/balding I worry that I will be susceptible to thinning hair as a side effect. What advice do members have? Biologics may not be available because of cost. My psoriasis is mainly in the hands but it's severe. Too raw for steroid cream. The arthritis is in fingers and wrists and feet and lower spine and probably shoulders. What drugs do not cause hairloss as a known side effect? Thanks for any suggestions and feedback. Hanne.
Hey
, Sorry to read that you're dealing with severe symptoms. I hope that rheumatology appointment comes through soon. I noticed in one of your other posts that you're in the UK - me too!
I definitely feel you on the hair loss concerns. I was extremely worried about this (and a lot of other things!) when I went onto methotrexate; mainly because I was already experiencing some hair loss beforehand, for reasons that nobody could work out. To my surprise, my hair loss has reduced and actually started to grow again in some places since starting methotrexate ! I don't know whether it's because the methotrexate has reduced inflammation, or perhaps the folic acid I have to take alongside it helps? That's just my personal experience, of course, and I know some people do experience some hair loss on it...
I saw that Lori linked you up with a good article on the topic from the Arthritis Foundation - I'm going to link it here too just in case others who stumble across this thread are interested in reading it: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/arthritis-medication-hair-loss
Please keep us posted on how you're doing, and stop by anytime you need support. We're here for you on this journey. Warm wishes, -Catherine, Community Moderator
Thanks Cathy, I'm glad you are ok on that drug with no hair loss. I'm in a blunt refusal frame of mind. I won't take the risk. I'm focusing on getting a medication that can reduce psoriasis itching and nail problems. I appreciate you reaching out and you being in the UK like me. I'll even take the prescription for the methotrexate and pretend I'm taking it just to at least be in the system. I feel suicidal at the thought of taking a drug that may affect my hair, 10-30% probability. Nope. Not gonna happen. Thanks all the same.
Oh
, I hear you. Make sure you are open with your rheumatologist about how strongly you feel about this - they should take all information you give them into account when making treatment recommendations. It's important that you feel comfortable with your treatment plan, and it should be a collaboration of sorts. Have you been able to chat with your GP about how you're feeling? I hope some other community members will stop by and share their experiences on this with you. I have only tried methotrexate so I don't have experience to share with any of the other medications. Please feel welcome to reach out here anytime you're struggling. You're not alone in this <3 -Catherine, Community Moderator
Hair loss is a common side effect of many medications. Most of the time, these drugs only cause temporary hair loss that goes away once you’ve adjusted to or stopped taking the medicine. Hair loss is one of the causes of drugs effect.
