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Hair Thinning? I’ve Been On Plaquenil 3yers, Had To Add Sulfasalzine And Did Ok. Recently Added Leflunomide Then Started Having Thinning.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Manteca, CA

I feel like it’s from luflunomide and was only on for about 2-3 months then noticed as well as my hair dresser. I stopped it, afraid won’t go back to normal. Anyone else have the issues

August 10, 2024
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myRAteam

Hair thinning can be a side effect of certain rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medications. Based on your treatment history:

- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine): Generally, this medication is less likely to cause hair loss
- Sulfasalazine: You mentioned doing okay on this medication.
- Leflunomide: This medication is known to cause Show Full Answer

Hair thinning can be a side effect of certain rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medications. Based on your treatment history:

- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine): Generally, this medication is less likely to cause hair loss.
- Sulfasalazine: You mentioned doing okay on this medication.
- Leflunomide: This medication is known to cause hair loss in some patients.

What You Can Do:
- Consult Your Doctor: Discuss the hair thinning with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your medication or dosage.
- Consider Supplements: Some patients find that taking folic acid helps with hair loss.
- Hair Care Tips:
- Avoid tight hairstyles.
- Use thickening shampoos and conditioners.
- Consider medical hair growth treatments with your doctor's approval.

Personal Experiences:
- Some patients have reported switching medications due to hair loss and finding relief.
- Others have found that hair thinning slows down over time or that the benefits of the medication outweigh the side effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

August 10, 2024

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