What Medications Cause Hair Loss
Sometimes its not the autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, but the medication used to treat it. In other cases, its a mix of both.
Among the medications that can cause hair loss are:
Nutritional Supplements And Dietary Changes
There’s no strong evidence to suggest that specific dietary changes can improve rheumatoid arthritis, although some people with rheumatoid arthritis feel their symptoms get worse after they have eaten certain foods.
If you think this may be the case for you, it may be useful to try avoiding problematic foods for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
But it’s important to ensure your overall diet is still healthy and balanced. A Mediterranean-style diet, which is based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, is recommended.
There’s also little evidence supporting the use of supplements in rheumatoid arthritis, although some can be useful in preventing side effects of medicines you may be taking.
For example, calcium and vitamin D supplements may help prevent osteoporosis if you’re taking steroids, and folic acid supplements may help prevent some of the side effects of methotrexate.
There’s some evidence to suggest that taking fish oil supplements may help reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Further information
- National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society : diet and rheumatoid arthritis
Page last reviewed: 28 August 2019 Next review due: 28 August 2022
What Causes Sjgrens Syndrome
Sjögrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which means something triggers your immune system to attack healthy cells. This attack damages the tear system in your eyes and the salivary glands in your mouth.
Exactly what causes this abnormal immune system response is not clear. These factors may play a role:
- Environmental factors.
- Sex hormones .
- Viral infections.
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Methotrexate Can Cause Hair Loss
Methotrexate is the most commonly prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drug for rheumatoid arthritis and causes hair loss in about 1 to 3% of patients. Methotrexate works by stopping the cells that cause inflammation from growing, and, as a result, can stop hair follicles from growing too.
A folic acid supplement, commonly co-prescribed with methotrexate, can help keep your hair healthy but does not encourage hair growth.
Is There Ra Medication That Can Treat Hair Loss
Whats interesting, Xeljanz, a JAK inhibitor used to treat RA has been found to help people suffering hair loss from alopecia. Alopecia, like RA, is an autoimmune disease, but causes wide-spread hair loss including eyebrows and lashes. Apparently, the same mechanism that fights the autoimmune issues of RA also targets those in alopecia.
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Managing Periodontal Disease And Ra
Ongoing management of your oral hygiene and treatment of any tooth or gum problems is key for RA patients.
Research shows that RA patients with periodontal disease receiving non-surgical periodontal treatment experienced “noteworthy improvement” in their RA outcomes.
Be sure that you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day.
- See a dentist regularly and be sure your medical history is well documented so you can receive proper care. It’s possible that your dentist will want to see you more often depending on the severity of your RA.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking raises inflammation in your body and can make both gum disease and RA worse.
Additionally, make sure you stick to your RA treatment regimen. Because these medications can help quell inflammation, they may help prevent periodontal disease while also improving your RA symptoms.
Other Immunomodulatory And Cytotoxic Agents
Some additional immunomodulatory drugs are used in RA including azathioprine , and cyclosporin A . Rarely cyclophosphamide and d-Penicillamine are used. Because the potential of high toxicity, these agents are typically utilized for life-threatening extra-articular manifestations of RA such as systemic vasculitis or with severe articular disease that is refractory to other therapy.
Azathioprine has some activity in rheumatoid arthritis but may take 8-12 weeks to see an effect. It is a purine analog that can cause bone marrow suppression and lowering of blood cell counts particularly in patients with renal insufficiency or when used concomitantly with allopurinol or ACE inhibitors. Increased risk of secondary malignancy due to azathioprine is controversial. Screening for levels of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase is recommended before initiating therapy with azathioprine. Certain individuals have deficiencies in this enzyme that metabolizes azathioprine with a concomitantly increased risk of toxicitiy for the medication. Side effects include nausea, and alopecia. Blood tests to monitor blood counts and liver function tests are necessary for patients on azathioprine.
Also Check: How To Know If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor If I Have Sjgrens Syndrome
If you have Sjögrens syndrome, you may want to ask your doctor:
- What lifestyle measures can I take to make my symptoms more livable?
- Can certain medications, drinks or foods dry out the eyes or mouth?
- Should I look out for any signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
While there isnt a cure for the dry mouth, dry eyes or other problems caused by Sjögrens syndrome, you dont have to live with discomfort or pain. Talk openly with your healthcare provider about how the disease affects your everyday life. Eating, swallowing, speaking and seeing are all critical for enjoying life. Your provider can help you find the right combination of therapies to relieve symptoms.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/21/2020.
References
What Does The Research Say
Even though hair loss doesnt happen to everyone who takes methotrexate, it can occur whether youre on a low dose or a high dose. However, a higher dose could result in more hair loss.
Methotrexate can be taken as a regular prescription to treat certain conditions. There are also instances when you might receive a single dose of the drug, such as in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. In this situation, the medication can stop the growth of an egg that has implanted outside the uterus.
In single-dose uses like this, hair loss and other side effects are uncommon, but can occur. Side effects tend to develop when taking the medication regularly.
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Why Was The Condition So Neglected
It is considered a cosmetic problem, and therefore, not important. It does not cause pain, and theres no comorbidity. But that dismisses the reality of its impact on people with the condition. Alopecia areata is the only form of hair loss that affects children and young adults. And because it affects the eyelashes and the eyebrows, as well as the top of the head, it brings a lot of stigma. People often feel theyve lost their personality. Ive always had great support from people who are affected, but from some colleagues there was hesitation.
How To Cope With Hair Loss
Keep your hair healthy and as thick as possible while being treated with these tips:
Practice good hair care. Use conditioner and dont rub your scalp too hard when shampooing or towel-drying. Avoid styling products and heat, and dont pull your hair back in tight pony tails.
Use a thickening hair growth shampoo. I found this stuff called Nutri-Ox, a shampoo, conditioner, and scalp spray, and using it my hair has started to regrow, Sharon C. told us.
With your doctors OK, consider medical hair loss treatments. I committed six months to a hair growth treatment program thankfully it worked, Deb S. told us. I also changed medication. My hair is back in full force, no more wig and Im still using the growth program.
Keep a positive outlook. Methotrexate improved my RA and I am able to walk, so considering the alternative of not taking it and having my hair back, I have learned to live with the thinning, Mariann V. told us. I wish it was not so, but so many others have far worse things to deal with!
Even if hair loss happens, some patients put it in perspective this way: My hair is still thin but would not stop my meds due to it, Mary J. told us on Facebook. Rather have less pain and no hair. No-brainer!
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Thinning Hair Due To Methotrexate & Simponi
Now Im back on MTX along with a TNF inhibitor Simponi Aria. While fairly infrequent, hair loss is a documented side effect of TNF inhibitors which include major RA treatments such as Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira.2 While Im on a somewhat low dose of injected MTX, Im on an aggressive schedule for Simponi. And my hair has started getting thin. Ive been on all the original TNF treatments without issue, but this is the first time Ive been on both a TNF and MTX, so I think the combination is overwhelming my hair follicles.
Why Is Methotrexate Used For Ra Treatment
Methotrexate is often called a chemotherapy drug, as it is used to treat cancer, although generally it is prescribed in much higher dosages for cancer than for rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, which is needed for the production of certain immune system cells.
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What Should I Eat If I Have Sjgrens Syndrome What Foods Should I Avoid
An estimated 90% of people with Sjögrens syndrome have problems related to eating. In some cases, these problems can be enough to cause malnutrition. Troubles can be related to dryness and swelling of the throat, as well as intestinal tract or nerve damage. There also seems to be a significant number of people who have both Sjögrens syndrome and celiac disease and/or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome .
If you have gastrointestinal symptoms, you can work with a registered dietitian to find out what food sensitivities you have. An RD can then also help you to create a food plan that works well for you and provides the nutrients you need.
Problems with gastroesophageal reflux are also common among people in general and among people with Sjögrens syndrome in particular. Your care team can provide you with tips for dealing with GERD. These might include not eating two to three hours before you lie down to sleep and avoiding greasy foods.
There are some recommendations that people who have autoimmune disorders like Sjögrens syndrome should follow an anti-inflammatory diet to help with joint pain and other symptoms. Some people have found relief from a completely plant-based diet.
Here are some tips that might help you manage other types of eating issues:
How Can I Prevent Hair Loss From Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The bodys immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, chronic inflammation, and reduced joint mobility. In some people, treatment options for Rheumatoid arthritis can cause hair loss. But why is there a link between Rheumatoid arthritis autoimmune disorders and hair loss? Find out through the article below.
Lets talk more about rheumatoid arthritis and how SMP procedure, SMP for alopecia, and other treatments can help with these cases.
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Changes In Birth Control
Going off hormonal birth control or changing to a different type of hormonal contraception can also cause hormone-induced shedding. “Whether you’re just starting it, discontinuing it, or changing brands, your body can react by causing the hair to go into an increased shedding mode,” Dr. Fusco says.
This is another form of telogen effluvium, which means that its usually temporary. You can rely on volumizing products and styling tricks while you wait for your hair to regain its fullness.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Causing My Hair Loss
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Its when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy tissues. If you have RA, your immune system attacks tissues in your joints. This causes them to become swollen, stiff, and painful.
Theres no cure for RA. But your doctor can prescribe treatment to help minimize joint damage and reduce your symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage this chronic condition.
Learn how hair loss can result from RA or medications you may be taking to treat it.
RA can affect many parts of your body, beyond your joints. It puts you at higher risk of developing a variety of conditions, such as:
- osteoporosis
- anemia
- infections
If you have RA, you might experience skin and eye problems. In rare cases, it can also lead to hair loss.
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Intense Emotional Or Physical Stress
When you’re experiencing something stressful or traumaticnot your average day-to-day stress, but something big and life-altering like a divorce, a death in the family, a significant job change, or a big moveyou may experience a temporary halt in hair growth as your body puts its resources toward getting you through said big event.
“Hairs dont all grow at the same rate,” Dr. Schlosser explains. “Some are growing, some are resting, and some are actively being shed. When you have these conditions, your body halts hair growth, and then things get restarted and all these hairs that have been halted start to get pushed out at the same time.” The same thing can happen with physical stress and trauma, like having a big operation, being hospitalized, or even losing a significant amount of weight very quickly.
Usually this type of hair shedding is temporary. But if it bothers you, check in with a dermatologist to learn more about styling changes and products you can use to make your hair look and feel fuller.
Less Immune Systems Cells For A Decrease In Ra Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the immune system is confused and fights healthy joints, tissues, and organs rather than solely killing germs. Therefore, most medical treatments for RA target components of the immune system. In the case of methotrexate, it keeps certain immune system cells from being created, which in turn can cause a reduction in RA symptoms.
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes multiple cytokines , chemokines, and metalloproteases. An inflammatory arthritis illness leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints, primarily the hands, back, feet, and knees. The bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced joint mobility. In some people, chronic disease activity can also lead to hair loss. Although rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the joints, it is a systemic disease affecting the entire body. Prolonged inflammation can damage many systems and organs in the body.
Autoimmune disorders of the body cause health risks. Inflammation also occurs in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, eyes, heart, blood vessels, skin, and nerves, but it is pretty rare. Rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with your daily activities, such as writing, opening bottles, dressing, and carrying objects. Arthritis of the ankle, knee or foot joints can make it difficult to walk and bend over. RA Patients typically use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when needed for pain relief, but NSAIDs should be used to reduce side effects at the lowest possible dose.
This article looks at the link between RA and hair loss and offers advice for those seeking health treatment plans for this chronic condition, including drugs, physical measures, and sometimes surgery.
How Much Of This Was Known When You Began Your Alopecia Research
When I was diagnosed with the condition in 1996, just after finishing my postdoc, I couldnt believe how little research had been done. No one could tell me what caused alopecia areata. It was assumed to be an inflammatory skin disease. Physicians prescribed steroids, and when drugs were approved for a skin disease, such as atopic dermatitis, they would be tested for my condition, too. But, as my team learnt from genetic studies, the pathways causing alopecia areata are more closely related to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
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When Should I Call The Doctor If I Have Sjgrens Syndrome
Severe mouth or gum pain could indicate infection or tooth decay. Itchy eyes, eye pain, or blurred or double vision can signal infections or other vision problems. You should also call your doctor if you notice swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin. Enlarged lymph nodes could indicate lymphoma or another health condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Causing Hair Loss
May 22, 2021 By hairsadvise
According to the researchers, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. When your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy tissues. Your immune system attacks tissues in your joints if you have RA. This causes them to become stiff, swollen and painful.
For RA, theres no. But your doctor can prescribe treatment to help reduce your symptoms and minimize joint damage. To manage this chronic condition, early diagnosis and treatment can help you.
Learn how hair loss can result from medications and RA you may be taking to treat it.
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Who Gets Alopecia Areata
While anyone can get alopecia areata, some people have a greater risk of developing it. Those most likely to get it have:
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A close blood relative with alopecia areata: Its estimated that about 10% to 20% of people with alopecia areata have a family member who has it. Because many people try to hide hair loss, this percentage may be higher.
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Asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, thyroid disease, vitiligo, or Down syndrome: Research shows that people who have one of these diseases are more likely to get alopecia areata.
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Been treating cancer with a drug called nivolumab: While its too early to say whether this greatly increases your risk, a few cancer patients who received a drug called nivolumab have developed alopecia areata. The drug is used to treat lung cancer and melanoma that has spread. Hair loss usually begins a few months after they start treatment. Its called nivolumab-induced alopecia areata, and the hair loss is considered a good sign. This type of hair loss usually means that the drug is working.You can treat this hair loss with a corticosteroid that you apply to the bald spots. It allows the hair to regrow without stopping cancer treatment.
Your race may also affect your risk of getting alopecia areata. In a large study, researchers found that black and Hispanic nurses were more likely than non-Hispanic white nurses to develop this disease.