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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has Anyone Experienced Hair Loss Due To Meds.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Ludlow, VT

Sudden onset of hair loss, I think due to meds. I take 1000mg of mycophenolate mofetil twice a day & 400mg of plaquenil twice daily. My joints are great, but I’ll be bald shortly at the rate my hair is falling out. Has anyone else had a similar experience.

August 20, 2018
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A myRAteam Member

One of the first drugs I was placed on for RD was methotrexate. It is used to treat some forms of cancer, but it is often given at a much, much lesser strength to treat RD. My hair began to fall out, too. I discussed it with my rheumatologist and we agreed that there were other options that might be better suited to my emotional needs and serve my physical health as well. My formally straight, thick hair did grow back...thick and curly! I had always wanted curls! Within the year, however, the curls were gone. My point is that you have choices. Hair loss was a little too much for me to deal with; my doc understood that and respected it. It certainly would have been different if there were no options available, but there were and they were better for my mental health while not jeopardizing my physical health.
Research your options, ask questions, dialogue with your rheumatologist.
Again, I wish you peace of mind, comfort and remission.

August 20, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Are you going thru Chemo? Those Meds do it. I finally shaved my head. But a little after a year it now down below my shoulders, healthy, thicker and curly. I’m liking it. No need to blow dry it anymore. Just wash and let dry, I’m done.

August 20, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I haven’t taken it, but mycophenolate mofetil seems to have caused hair loss according to information online. I didn’t see hair loss listed as a side effect on the CellCept website, but frequently not all side effects get listed. I find that when I research a new drug on line, there is quite a bit of useful information, but I am careful to limited my sources to those I know are reputable.

August 20, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Yes methotrexate thinned my hair and made bald spots. I just got up to 7 pills. Scalp itching was unbearable. Lots of nausea and reflux. Very fatigued

July 19, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Yes, some people have experienced hair loss due to medications, particularly those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some details:

- Methotrexate: A commonly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that can cause hair loss. About 5 to 10 percent of patients may experience this side effect
- Show Full Answer

Yes, some people have experienced hair loss due to medications, particularly those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some details:

- Methotrexate: A commonly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that can cause hair loss. About 5 to 10 percent of patients may experience this side effect.
- Leflunomide (Arava): Another DMARD that can cause hair loss through a similar mechanism as methotrexate.

Patients have shared their experiences:
- Anne M. noticed significant thinning of her hair after a year of treatment.
- Lindsey switched from methotrexate to leflunomide due to hair loss but found the hair loss worse with leflunomide and switched back.

For more information, you can refer to the source: [CreakyJoints](https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/...).

July 19, 2024

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