Hi Paula,

I haven't experienced that myself, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was caused by mtx as it's such a strong drug isn't it.

My friend had the same problem when she was warfarin, the meds are so strong arnt they.

I know thyroid conditions can also cause hair loss. I have an under active thyroid, I've found on here that that a lot of us with RA have thyroid problems as well.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Take care
Lou xx

Thank you ladies for your replies.

I'm currently taking 17.5mg MTX. I was taking 20mg by tablet form and it was changed to injection to make sure that I was getting the full dose. Consultant told me that you lose some of the MTX if you have it in tablet form while your body breaks it down. They never know how much of the dose you are getting when it is in tablet form. With MTX being such a toxic drug even the tiniest bit extra will make a difference. I did feel a lot better on the injection but my liver didn't like it, long story, was off all drugs till liver settled down and I then ended up on 17.5mg, this was the beginning of me having to go on anti tnf's. Like I said, I didn't notice hair loss until I had been injecting it a few months.

My hairs always been my crowning glory and I have had several compliments from complete strangers over the years about my hair. The nurse did understand when I told her how much it was bothering me, but I felt stupid telling her thinking that the next person she see's may have uncontrolled RA and would do anything to stop the pain.

I hate washing my hair now, after I have washed it I end up with what I call a net curtain of hair on my hands, the same when I condition it and the same when I put mousse on. It's a lot quicker to dry it now, in some respects that's not bad, but oh dear I don't want to lose anymore.

I really don't think MTX is doing anything, I really believe it is just the Enbrel that's working. When I came off all my drugs when my liver function was high I was amazed how quickly I got bad. I had to stop my pain killers and just rely on paracetamols, I always thought that it was the painkillers that were keeping me going and not the RA drugs and I think that proved it. The consultant told me that I should of been alright for about 6 weeks with the build up of MTX and SLZ that I had in my system. I wasn't alright for even six days and had to take steroids to tide me over.

I was going to start reducing it after Christmas, but I have an assessment in Feb so I will wait till then.

Suzanne I already take 5mg of folic acid every day. I don't know if you can take anymore. From what I understand about Folic acid is that it reduces the strength of the MTX.

Paula x