Hair loss with plaquenil

[Rose G]

I have been experiencing hair loss since I started plaquenil.  I only take 200 mgs per day and the hair loss started within a couple of weeks.  Now after 5 months or so it continues.  My hair is very thin now.  While I notice a small amount of relief from the plaquenil (mostly only a couple of joints feel better) I am wondering if it is enough to end up bald!!  I do take a muti vitatmin that has some biotin but I think since the hair loss is from the plaquenil, nothing but stopping it will help.

I was hoping that after my body got used to the plaq, the hair loss would stop, but it hasn't.  Just wonder it anyone has any thoughts or advice on this?

[mshistory]

It does seem to happen with some people (I had hair loss problems before starting Plaquenil). I have no idea if Rogaine could help in situations like this (some dermatologists recommend using it for telogen effluvium and not just androgenic alopecia) so I would ask your doctor. Unfortunately, I think hair loss is the least common with Plaquenil - if you need another med. like methotrexate, I believe HL is a more common side effect so that wouldn't help you with the HL either!

[Navigator]

How's your thyroid??

[Rose G]

I had a physical in March and it was ok.  I think I will see if I can have it checked again though, can't hurt.  I have seen some on here say that it could cause hair loss.  I did check the side effects on plaquenil and it does list hair loss, probably not very common, but I always get stuff that is not very common.

[Carebear]

Hi Rose,

I think it is a good idea to have your thyroid tested again.  My test results are up and down like a roller coaster ride, and I know in six months a lot can change.

Have you spoken to your doctor about the Plaquenil?  You say after five months you haven't received much relief.  Perhaps you should review this with your doc to see if another medication, in conjunction with Plaquenil, would be worth trying. 

[Sadie963]

Hi Rose,

I was given high dose steroids and plaquenil to recover from a bad sjogrens flare.  Now 7-8mos later, I'm taking a much, much lower steroid amt and my hair loss has finally slowed down in the last couple of months. Enough so I'm not constantly worried and checking my scalp for evidence of thinning and bald patches.

Hang in there because it does get better. Make sure to tell your dr. when you are concerned about something and ask if there is anything you can do at home to improve it (nutrition, vitamins).

Good Luck

[eyeamdry]

My rheumy has suggested I take Biotin to help with thin/thinning hair.  I have not been consistent so I can't give a good word.  Available at any vitamin counter.  This isn't BiotENE, but Biotin.

[Fosterlu]

 Just curious to see what has happened with everyone's hair loss. I we can plaquenil 4 months ago and I am really starting to feel bald now. Considering quitting the drug if it's not going to get any better.

[shebelle]

I too have lost hair because of plaquenil.  My niece recommended that I use these four products.   The 1st product Vatika Naturals Coconut Hair Oil, is used as a every day for adding oil to your scalp.   I use the 100% pure versatile skin care castor oil by  Now Solutions; Shea Moisture dandruff control conditioner and the She Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil strengthen grow and restore shampoo.

In the area where the hair is very thin or missing I put the the castor oil on 1st, and massage my scalp, I then put on the Shea Moisture dandruff control conditioner and continue to use the tips of my fingers to message it into this area until the conditioner no longer shows.   For the rest of my hair I put the Vatika Coconut Hair Oil, and the castor oil to prevent it from becoming thin, dry, and missing.   I have used this method for the past 4 months, and my hair stylist told me your hair is really healthy and growing now. I am not a beautician.  I only know this worked for me; I hope you will have the same results.  I have never been happier.    Oh, the products are not expensive and can be bought on line or in Target or Whole Foods.