Accutane and Hair loss

[lba85]

Hello,

I have been on accutane for 6 months now. I'll be finishing up my treatment in a few weeks. I started on 20 mg and gradually increased to my current dosage (100 mg). About two months ago I noticed some hair loss. I have long, very curly/coarse, thick hair. Well, it's worrying to see the amount of hair I am losing (especially when showering). It looks a bit thinner (maybe a little more at the crown), but nothing the average person would notice. I am really nervous that I'll continue to lose hair and it will become rather noticeable at the crown. I've been told this is a shedding process and that it can take up to a year to stop. I'm hoping this hair loss is temporary. Have you seen accutane patients where hair loss was permanent? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Laura

[loiloi]

Hi. Accutane can cause temporary hair loss (alopecia) or an increase in hair growth (hirsutism). These and other side effects should reverse about 5 weeks after you stop your medicine. Accutane has a long half-life so traces will be in your body for up to 5 weeks after completing the course.
Eloise.