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Hair loss

Posted , 6 users are following.

barbara93798
barbara93798

Hi can anyone tell me is it normal to have hair loss when on methotrexate I have been taking it for over a year. I have lost hair under my arms, on my legs and my arms. My hair on my head has become thin and like a babys hair. Not sure if it is that drug or something else I use. Hope to hear your replies.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • shaz6098
    shaz6098 barbara93798

    Posted

    Hi Barbara,

    Just wondered, are you in the UK?

    In its most potent form, MTX is used for chemotherapy. It is also used to terminate ectopic pregnancies. It can have nasty side effects which is why you should be monitored closely when taking it.

    I had to read pages of information and sign to acknowledge i had read it before being prescribed it.

    The best advice i can give you, make an appointment to see you're GP or contact your consultant at the hospital.

    Good luck x

    • barbara93798
      barbara93798 shaz6098

      Posted

      Yes I am in the UK I understand about it being used as chemo I take 4 x 2.5mg am and same pm once a week folic acid 1 x 5mg once a week I also take a med that is used for malaria 2 each day. I just have not seen anything about hair loss.
    • shirlee86000
      shirlee86000 barbara93798

      Posted

      Hi Barbara

      I am in the north of England and I have been on methotrexate this time since last October and yes it has made my hair thinner, which is not nice, I do think mine has settled down a bit though, at first I could feel it on my hands when conditioning after washing it seemed to come out in handfuls I was panicking, at that time I was taking 6 methotrexate per week and a couple of days later like you, I took one 5mg folic acid my rheumatologist told me to take a 5mg folic acid 6 days a week leaving out methotrexate day, and I do believe it's helped a lot with my hair, it's starting to look shiny again, maybe you could ask about it, good luck

    • barbara93798
      barbara93798 shaz6098

      Posted

      Thanks for that link I have read it and will be speaking to a dermatologist soon my consultant has refered me. I have also been prescribed a vitamin B tablet daily my hair is begining to look better. But in the meen time I have some realy nice wigs.
  • Guest
    Guest barbara93798

    Posted

    I'm assuming you are taking this for an autoimmune illness.  Biotin (a B vitamin supplement) is said to help if you take it every day.  I had to up my Folic Acid to 4 mg a day.  You might check with you doctor about upping the Folic and if its ok for you to add Biotin.  I also take a B12 supplement since Methotrexate causes that deficiency.  As long as you aren't taking the methotrexate for cancer, folic acid has been shown to be ok at much higher doses than the 5 mg 1 x week - and it makes you feel SO much better.

  • villie
    villie barbara93798

    Posted

    Yes! Methotrexate does cause hair loss!! Take folic acid daily !!!
  • 1_hand_works
    1_hand_works barbara93798

    Posted

    Hi

    Yes it does unfortunately, like you I took it and the folic acid and the hydroxychloroquine. The MTX wasn't helping me much and I am now on something else. Still having hair loss, perhaps due to autoimmune disease but not coming out in handfuls anymore thankfully. Hair is not as strong as it used to be but the thin patches which were bad are now growing back, but very slowly. Cannot fully blame the MTX for it, but was certainly a contributing factor. Good luck with your condition

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