|
|
|
Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 2
|
I have been taking Methotrexate for 3 months and am experiencing extreme hair loss - the side effects state possible hair loss but I am surprised at just how much I am losing - has anyone had a similar problem and/ or is there another similar drug that does not have this side effect?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
|
Hi Joanna, I experienced hair loss a couple of times last year. I wasn't on MTX at the time, but had been for 26+ years. My doctors said auto immune disease/RA can cause it, as can other drugs, i.e. Diclofenac. I'd had 10 lots of surgery so they thought it was a combination of that, the drugs, strong antibiotics and RA. It was quite worrying to see a full hairbrush of hair, lots on the floor and in the shower drain. I tried to help myself by taking multi-Vits. A lack of protein can also cause hair loss which might have contributed to mine as I was too ill to eat. Thankfully, both times it only lasted about 3-4 weeks and my hair is ok now. Carol
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
|
It does sound like MTX is causing your hair loss. That must be distressing, I am sorry to hear this.
I would go and see the gp/rheumy to discuss this.
How much MTX are you on?
I had hair loss however I had alot of hair loss after all my pregnancies so I put it down to hormones.....
Love,
Amanda
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
|
Sorry to hear this Joanna. Haven't had it myself but I think I remember other forum members mentioning that they increased the amount of folic acid they were taking with the Metho. It must be really hard to go through this as it's so visible. Might be worth ringing your rheumy nurse.
Julie
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
|
Hi Joanna i have had this problem with Methotrexate although it was only when i brushed my hair there would be a lot in the brush its the horrible side effect of these drugs, i also have had sores appear all over my body that was with Azathioprine and Cyclosporine caused facial hair and the hair on my arms even grew ! Each time i came off the drug the side effect eventually cleared up, im on Rituximab now and have been experiencing flushing of my face told hospital but they didn't say anything, every one experiences different side effects with the medications maybe you should ring the hospital
Do hope it calms down for you
Sophie x
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 854
|
I have had hair loss problems for years with MTX Joanna. It can improve for a time but then deteriorates again. I take silica capsules from Holland and Barrett, as advised by my hairdresser. Within months of using them initially, I could see and feel the difference. As well as that, I use the John Frieda thickening range of shampoo, conditioner and styling products. they are expensive but are 3 for £10 in Asda at present. It is demoralising to suffer from thinning of hair but, if it is any consolation, mine was far worse when I first started MTX and it has never got really bad despite being on 22.5mg combined with other 'hair thinning 'culprits .
Eleanor x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
|
Hi Joanna I have hair loss since being diagnosed with RA. It was very disconcerting and upsetting. During hair loss periods washing my hair was the worse as it seemed tonnes of hair came out. I would sit in bed and run my fingers hrough my hair and would always have hair coming out. I noticed that the texture of my hair isnt great either. Anway I always research these things to death. The outcome was that i found that hairloss could be attriburted to a few things things, illness RA,or drugs (cant remember if it hormones were a contributing factor). When i researched hair loss it said that illness upsets the hairgrowth cycle. I think the illness disrupts this and speeds up the shedding of old hair and its all out of sync. It also said it should stop after a while and mine did. However my hair loss seems to be during summer time (june to novish) nd since diagonsis and started steriods. I accepted that me and the cat were losing our winter coats. I am quite lucky as that I have a triple crown and loads of hair, however, I saw a picture of me and it looked like I was thining on top and I really started to freak out. then i looked it up and it said thinning scalp can be hormonal. My husband swears blind that it was the light reflecting off the sea and its my parting. Hmm! So there you go. I am currently on panequel and thats suppose to cause hair loss but nothings happened so i expect the hair loss to start again in june. Funninly enough my skin has been badly effected by panequeland steriods its gone paper thin particularly hands and feet. 
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/7/2009
Posts: 27
|
I have always suffered with hair loss since taking MTX. However it got much worse when I changed to injections. Think I may have a look at some of these tabs and shampoos people are suggesting to help.
Sallyx
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 103
|
Hi Joanna,I'm not on MTX but have been on Hydroxy for just over six months and I have noticed hair loss.  When I comb out my hair after washing it there is always more hair being left in the comb and hair brush than usual.I have my next appointment with the rheumy consultant this afternoon and I'm going to mention it to her and ask if it would be worth me taking folic acid as I read somewhere that it could be useful for hair loss.Has anyone else heard that? Brenda
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 585
|
Hi Joanna
I have been on MTX for the past 14 years and I do suffer hair loss my hair dresser is wonderful with my hair she helps a lot
I am not going bald but just a bit thin
try not to worry to much
take care
Mary L
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
|
Ah, but you DO wear that wig, don't you Mary?!
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 585
|
you told on me again
the wig is good though
Mary L
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
I've had hair loss since having RA- it comes and goes and is quite bad at the moment. It's upsetting as I've always had very thick hair. I didn't know diclofenac was a culprit- I've needed to take it everyday recently which probably acounts for the recent increase.
I like Trevor Sorbe's thickening shampoo for 'mature hair' but it's a bit pricey.
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
|
Hair loss surely you mean fur loss as you are a rabbit!  Sorry early hours humour 
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
|
What on earth are you doing up at 5.00am Mari? Mind you, I have to admit that I was watching Sky Sports then!!!
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 327
|
Hi Joanne
I'm on MTX and although there may be a few more hairs in the brush these days, it's nothing for me to worry about, so I feel I'm one of the lucky ones. It does sound, though, as if it can be as much connected to the RA as the drugs. There have been posts about this before and I think somebody said that a parting on the slant helps disguise thin patches, but I'm sure there'll be more advice forthcoming. It must be distressing for you though, is it worth a call to your rheumy or your gp to see if anything can be done?
Anthea x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
|
Mari,
loved the rabbit comment!!!!
I'm often up in the early hours when I can't sleep.
Maria x
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
|
Oh Jean B your terrible.... watching fit young men running around....hmm cant think of anything better to do at that hour....might think of getting Skysport myself, purely as a morale booster you understand  Maria, I love the pic
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/23/2009
Posts: 15
|
Hi Joanna I have been taking methotrexate since last March - I have noticed that my hair is getting thinner too and loses its shine very easily - bit like cotton wool, especially in the front by the fringe !! I have asked my Rheumy nurse about this and if there was anything I could do - she says there is nothing only come off the methotrexate, so a bit of a catch 22 really, but I will be keeping a close eye on how it goes. I have an appointment with my GP beginning of Feb and will ask if there is anything on the market I can use ie rub into the scalp or something !!! I will let you know  Jane
|
|
|
|
Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 2
|
Thanks for all your replies, I decided to stop MTX for a month and the hair loss has slowed down, but I'm now in a lot of pain, so will have to start it again, but if anyone has any more news about this I would love to hear it. Many thanks to all Joanna
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
