I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease back in October of 2008. I had started right away on 60 mg of prednisone and at the same time started taking Pentasa (8 pills a day at 500mg each). I remained on the Prednisone for about five months, and am still currently taking Pentasa. For the past few months I have been experiencing some serious hair loss, it is not coming out in clumps but it is definitely a concern. I am only 19, so I know that my hair loss is probably from the medicine. I am using Nioxin shampoo which my hair stylist recommended but it doesn't seem to be doing much good. Is there anything else I can do to get my hair back?
Q: Is there anyway to stop hair loss from Pentasa?
Answers (1)
6/24/09 2:37pm
Hello JRG,
I take Asacol which is in the same 5-ASA family of drugs as Pentasa, and I've experienced hair loss for the 10 years I've taken it. As your symptoms get better and you are hopefully able to decrease your dose the hair loss decreases as well. But, unfortunately, it's just one of the side effects of this medication. The only way to stop it is to stop taking the Pentasa, but then that's not good for the Crohn's.
Sorry not to have better news. But as far as I know there isn't a solution while still taking the med.
Peace,
Elizabeth
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By jrg251— Last Modified: 10/26/11, First Published: 06/23/09
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I feel for you, I really do, I lost a lot of my hair last year when I had a serious infection in my bowel, I have crohn's, mine wasn't due to medication, but I know some meds have that side effect. There are good 'hair repair' shampoos from boots, I use one all the time, my hair has grown back now. I would suggest you speak with your consultant about your concerns, he/she may be able to change it to one that suits your condition as well as stopping the hair loss.