Accutane and hair loss

[lisamz]

I took Accutane in the fall of 2004 and I experienced severe hair loss. (I'm a girl). My hair came out in handfulls for about 6 months. The large amount of hair that usually falls out after washing or brushing hair was falling out every half an hour if i ran my fingers through my hair. I lost about 60% of my hair. It stopped for a few months and started again for a few months to a lesser degree though. And now, 3.5 years later, it stills falls out more frequently than it should. It doesn't come out in handfulls everyday, but it does fall out more than any normal person would shed hair. Thankfully I had a very thick head of hair so it is not noticeable to people that didn't know me before. But it is noticable to me, and it hasn't begun to grow back yet. I don't know if it will ever be like it used to be. I've heard it can take years to begin to grow back, and I've also heard that hair loss due to Accutane can be permanent. Personally, I don't think that Accutane was worth it. My relief from acne was only temporary. I started using a topical cream about 2 years ago and that has worked wonders for me. I regret using Accutane because the hair loss for me has been emotionally hard to deal with and quite devestating.


This discussion is related to Accutane/ Hair Loss.

[saranonty]

Could I ask you what topical cream you are using? I have mild- bad acne but I have to admit I didn't like the sound of the side- effects of Accutane.
Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Adverse drug reactions associated with isotretinoin therapy include:[5]

Common: Mild acne flare, dryness of skin, lips and mucous membranes, infection of the cuticles, cheilitis, itch, skin fragility, skin peeling, rash, flushing, photosensitivity, nose bleeds, dry eyes, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, reduced tolerance to contact lenses, hyperlipidaemia, raised liver enzymes, headaches, hair thinning (This could start or continue after treatment), myalgia and/or arthralgia, back pain.

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.