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Permanent hair loss ?

Sat, January 03, 2009 1:00 AM

I have UC and am on 150mg Azathioprine (Imuran) per day and max dose of Asacol per day. Since starting on the Azathioprine in Sept 08 I have noticed that I am losing the hair at the front of my head above my bangs. Every month that passes I notice more hair loss. Is this a permanent condition or will my hair grow back after I start decreasing my dose of Asathioprine? Also I am wondering what it meant by "long term use" of this drug...does it mean years, months or what? I have read that "long term" use of this drug is not recommended.

katiepaw
Joined Sep 12, 2008

Fri, January 30, 2009 1:00 AM

Reply posted for katiepaw.

I am sorry to say, this may be a side effect of the imuran. My husband has been on it for eight years and has lost the hair on the top of his head. He is 32 years old, and started shaving it a few years ago and it is not coming back. I would talk to a doctor to see if there is anything you can do if this seems to be a side affect for you as well.

madamfruiti
Joined Aug 29, 2008

Mon, January 05, 2009 10:21 PM

Reply posted for JenB2004.

Thanks for the reply, Jen. I 'll try the bioton see if that helps. I did read that one of the side effects of azathioprine (although not common) is hair loss and found out the usually, not but always, it is a temporary condition. Perhaps that is the same with Remicade also. I cut my azathioprine daily dose in half the other day, something my GI probably won't like, but I am getting tired of feeling like I have no say or control of what goes into my body. Last September I told the GI "no more prednisone" and going off the pred hasn't had any negative effects on my UC and I feel SO much better off of it.

Off topic, I see you have a golden retriever :) I have a ten year old golden, Katie, my second golden and in my opinion, the best dogs in the world :)

katiepaw
Joined Sep 12, 2008

Sun, January 04, 2009 12:06 AM

Reply posted for katiepaw.

Hi there! I have CD and have also noticed my hair has been falling out. I didn't think it was related to any of my medicine since it wasn't noted on the side effects until I saw another post regarding hair loss. I asked my GI dr. about it and he said he believes it's related to the Remicade I'm receiving. I now take a supplement called bioton which is supposed to help with hair and nail growth. I've noticed it helps to reduce the rate of loss.

I sympathize with you about wondering what is short term and long term. I've read being on steroids long term is not recommended either. I've been on one kind or another since last March and am hoping I convince my doctor to give me a chance off of them at my next visit.

I don't think I was much help in answering your questions, but I wanted to let you know that you're not the only on looking at the mirror a little closer with your brow furrowed.

Take care,
Jen

jenb2004
Joined Sep 6, 2008

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