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Plaqenil Hair Loss
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techzit View Drop Down
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Posts: 45 		  Quote techzit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Plaqenil Hair Loss
    Posted: 19 October 2009 at 5:37pm
Hello Friends,
 
Been on Plaqenil for a few weeks now and notice my hair texture is changing and is slowly falling out. It is not too bad but if it keeps up I could be in trouble. My wife has always joked that the one thing she may not be able to live with is if I lost my hair. Will it stop after continued use? Is there anything else I could take to help?
 
Thanks for any insight.
 
Best,
TechZit
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JasmineRain View Drop Down
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Posts: 6100 		  Quote JasmineRain Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 October 2009 at 5:40pm
Could just be the fall fall-out.  Most people have a 'shedding' period late in the year when many of the hair follicles go dormant for a bit.

I've not experienced any hair-loss from plaquenil.
RA, meds, Coke
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LyndeeNZ View Drop Down
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Posts: 930 		  Quote LyndeeNZ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 October 2009 at 10:55pm
I too have not had any hair loss with Plaquenil. One thing though....my hair is definitely lighter in colour and Im not sure if its from Plaq or Sulfasalazine. Great, as I dont need to do anything to cover grey as I cant see it anymore! Big%20smile
 
Are you on any other meds? Hopefully it is just seasonal as JasmineRain has mentioned.
 
Lyn  Smile
 
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techzit View Drop Down
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Posts: 45 		  Quote techzit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 October 2009 at 3:09am

i'm not on any other meds at this time.

My RD said the Plaqenuil should no impact my hair either; however, doing a simple google search or going to askapatient.com you find tons of examples of people having issues with hair loss.
 
Bought some hair thinning shampoo for men last night and am hoping that might help a bit :) Thanks for your insight.
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LyndeeNZ View Drop Down
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Posts: 930 		  Quote LyndeeNZ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 October 2009 at 4:21am
Originally posted by techzit

My RD said the Plaqenuil should no impact my hair either; however, doing a simple google search or going to askapatient.com you find tons of examples of people having issues with hair loss.
 
 
I just googled 'plaquenil hair loss' and saw lots of replies indicating there may be some truth to the claims.  I never knew that! Confused
 
Techzit..I have read most of your posts here but am wondering why you are on Plaquenil (only), who put you on it, and what for. I ask what for as you had indicated that your Drs/Rheumy had not decided you had RA and that was recently.
 
Please dont worry yourself too much about meds right now. I learnt very quickly when my RA introduced itself with an enormous roar, that RA meds are my friends. This from a person who never had aspirin! Just gimme the drugs now please! lolol.... And so far, they are working.
Plaquenil is a mild/benign med compared to others I will  ( hopefully not) most likely need in the future.
I am not trying to scare you, just to let you know that if you are DX'd RA, Plaquenil is the baby of the bunch.
 
And Im still doing baby steps. Embarrassed
 
Best of luck to you
 
Lyn
We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.
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maryhatz View Drop Down
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Posts: 109 		  Quote maryhatz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 October 2009 at 10:38am
Techzit - I've been on Plaquenil for over a year and have noticed hair loss for the past 10 months - still have a good head of hair but it is definitely thinner. My hairdresser also says the texture has changed and it is getting a slight curl, which I've never had. I'm also on Medrol and other meds for other conditions, so I don't know if it is the Plaquenil. I had a dermatologist look at it and he said the only OTC treatment that has been proven to work somewhat is Rogaine or the generic of it. I get the generic and the one for women at Walmart for about $18 for a three month supply. The brand name is about triple that amount. Maybe that would help you. Good luck.
Mary

Meds: Remicade, Plaquenil, Medrol, vitamins/supplements + many others for other conditions
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techzit View Drop Down
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Posts: 45 		  Quote techzit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 October 2009 at 7:35am

Lyn,

My RD was "ready" to put me on plaquenil back in february when my RF factor came back positive and I was having very minor joint pain. I opted out at the time. At the start of September, started to notice some fatigue. At the end of the day, I was just beat and was going to bed about 8:30 or 9. Knowing that fatigue can be an early symptom, I called my RD and told her that I was ready to start the plaquenil. It did seem to boost my energy levels.
 
This still does not seem like "classic" RA as I have no swelling, inflammation, morning stiffness, etc. I've really struggled with what to do and when to initiate meds. Thanks for asking and I'll keep you posted.
 
 
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