Accutane and hairloss

Hi,

I just finished my third round of accutane (my 1st round, age 12, 2nd-age 15, and 3rd- age 20). About 4 months after my last treatment of accutane, I began to notice that my hair was falling out in larger amounts than usual (and it usually falls out quite a bit, because it is (was) so thick and long). Now, nearly 8 months having been off of accutane, my hair has lost more than half of its volume. The part is becoming more and more visible on the back of my head. The hairloss has not slowed.  I wrote to Roche, complaining of the problem, and they admitted that hairloss was a side effect of using Accutane. However, I had been under the impression that any hairloss would have lasted ONLY during treatment, not 8 months later. Doctor friends have told my father that excess, toxic levels of vitamin A in my body  may be causing the hairloss. Is this true? And if so, how long should I expect this to last? Will the hair EVER grow back? Will I lose so much hair that I start getting bald spots? It sure seems like it! Is there anything I can do? I used to have such thick hair, and now it is sooo thin! Thank you for your help!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I am not aware that Accutane can cuase long-tern or permanent hair loss, months after treatment is over.  I haven't seen this in my own clinical experience.  I think you need a more precise diagnosis of why you are losing your hair, exploring other possibilities than Accutane.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[1Helper]

Hello. Many people have suffered from the problem you currently have. I am one of them. We have a message board where hundreds upon hundreds fall into this category. Although a cure hasnt been found some  have been able to regrow their hair. Many believe they have a thing called Telegeon Effluvium. Many think that the medication accutane has put so much vitamin A in their system that they have to detoxy themselves. Some people have said the vitamin Biotin will help. Some don't. Some have just waited it out and the hair has grown back. I myself am on Rogaine. Im not sure if it'll work. I would appreciate it if the doctor could shed some light on this problem many of us have.

  Most of the people at the message board have gone to dermatologists and they insist its not caused by the accutane. We all find that hard to believe since we all have the same symptons. Anyways if you wish to view the message board you can do so here: http://www.hairsite5.com/f210medi5/discfem210_toc.htm

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