Has anyone experienced hair loss with Arava? Not in "clumps" but an unusual amount of of loose hair everytime I comb my hair. I had severe reaction to Methotrexate and had to switch to Arava - which I have been taking for 7 months. In reason weeks I seem to loosing a LOT of hair everytime I comb and am wondering if there is a connection to Arava.
Q: Hair loss with Arava
Answers (3)
11/ 2/09 2:26am
Joan,
It is a possible side effect of Arava. I take it as well, but was already losing hair before I started. Ask you Rheumy about it. Have you tried Palenquil? Its at least an option. Hope you feel better soon!
Brad
11/ 3/09 11:17pm
I had the same thing happen to me, Joan. First couldn't tolerate methotrexate (it made me sick as a dog!). I started Arava and have been taking it for about a year, and tolerate it well. But yes, I lost hair just like you are now. Fortunately, for the last couple of months that seems to have stopped. Maybe it will for you, too. Good luck!
11/ 9/09 10:36pm
You say the hair loss seems to have stopped - but do you think you are also getting new growth???
11/10/09 6:18pm
Well, that's a lot harder to answer. I haven't noticed that my hair has thickened any, but I figure that since hair is always growing, the hair I lost over the months will probably come back.
I just saw my rheumatologist. Since I've been having a lot more pain lately, he's increased my dosage of Arava from half a tablet to a full tablet each day. I'm hoping that the hair loss won't start again, but if it does, I guess I'll just grin and bear it. To me, having the pain and, perhaps, the progression of this disease lessened and slowed is worth a brush full of hair each morning. I've always liked hats ... 
Good luck with the Arava, Joan.
11/11/09 5:06pm
It seems to be slowing down the last week. I take 20mg so maybe I can switch to 10mg - I see my Rheumy in two weeks. My hair wasn't very thick to begin with so I really notice the loss. And yes - I guess if the choice is pain or hair loss I'll take the hair loss!!
12/29/09 9:18pm
Hi Joan,
I don't know if your still experiencing the hair loss but I wanted to let you know that I had a lot of hair loss with Arava. I started it a few months ago to replace Methotrexate that I was on for 10 years. It worked wonders for my RA but I couldn't tolerate the side effects....nausea, diahhrea, and major hair loss. I've been off for over 2 months but still experiencing hair falling out everyday. It has thinned considerably. I hope it stops soon. Good luck,
Robin
12/29/09 9:34pm
I've been off it for two months but, like you, am still experiencing hair loss every day altho it does seem to be a lot less than before. I got some B-12 vitamins which is suppose to help hair growth! My hair is very long and I wear it up in a twisted bun - but it has thinned so much I'm having trouble keeping the pins in place but finally found a hair clasp that seems to be more secure. So, I'll keep you posted if - and when - loss stops!
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks for that info. I was ready to tell my Doc that I wanted to stop the Arava - but now maybe I should stick it out a while longer. Other than the hair loss I tolerate it very well & it does work for me. In the meantime my hair has thinned a LOT!