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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has Anyone Shaved Their Head From Hair Loss?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Huntington Beach, CA

Has Anyone shaved their heads? I'm on 25mg of MTX, 400mg of Plaquenil, Prednisone and a few other drugs
most of which can cause hair loss.
I noticed it thinning and suddenly it is coming out in clumps and now the whole top of my head is legit bald. I've tried supplements, upping my folic acid, etc. It just happened pretty quick. I want to give MTX a chance to work.

Has anyone shaved their heads because of hair loss? Because of the location I can hide it with other hair.

March 5, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the difficult experience of hair loss from rheumatoid arthritis medications, with many identifying Plaquenil as a major... Read more

Members connected over the difficult experience of hair loss from rheumatoid arthritis medications, with many identifying Plaquenil as a major culprit while experiences with methotrexate varied widely depending on dosage. Several members shared practical solutions that helped them, including lowering methotrexate doses (from 20mg to 12-15mg), taking high-dose biotin (5,000 mcg), switching to different medications like Actemra, or simply shaving their heads and wearing wigs to reduce stress. A recurring theme was the importance of communicating openly with rheumatologists about side effects and exploring medication adjustments, as hair loss often improved or stopped once dosages were reduced or medications were changed.

A myRAteam Member

Methotraxate at hi dose will definitely make your hair fall out. If possible to lower dose a bit it should settle. They had me at 20 mg and had to bring it down to 12mg. Was also bringing my white count down But stabilized at 12mg
No hair loss!

March 14, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Again, many of these Old Standard Meds are Chemo Drugs... So Yes, Your Hair will Fall out and many other Typical Effects from Chemo Drugs! I know because I had Harsh Chemo for Breast Cancer almost 6 Years ago and my Hair is Still Falling out!! Best of Luck and Try at Least 5,000 mcg's of Biotin. It is one of the B Vitamins that Helps Your Hair, Skin & Nails!!!

March 13, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Yes.........

March 12, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Plaquenil made my hair fall out too, Ii didn't loose hair with methotrexate. I does make me terribly nasuated and I won't take it. I'm on Actemra every four weeks, it helps more than anything else I've tried.

March 8, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Plaquenil caused major hair loss for me. I stopped taking it and it has started to grow back. Talk to your rheumy about changing your meds. Methotrexate has never caused hair loss for me. I also take biotin to help and MetanX (a prescription folic with vitamin D).

March 6, 2017

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