Hair loss...IVSM or Avonex

[Karensr]

I had two 3-day IVSM infusions (one in the beginning of March and another at the end).  I then began Avonex in the beginning of May.  About 3 weeks ago I noticed a lot of hair falling out.  I feel like I have always "shed" (as my hair stylist says) a lot and already have thin, fine hair, but it has definitely increased the past few weeks.  I can even feel that there's less of it when I put it up or style it.
So, my question is could it be the IVSM (couldn't find much about this as a side effect on-line) or am I in that lucky 4% of Avonex users who have hair loss.  If it is the Avonex, will it stop as my body gets used to the drug?  Good God I hope so!  Any insight is appreciated, as this is really stressing me out.....which can also cause hair loss!!!
Karen

[kel1lost]

LoL!!!!!!!  Me too!  I waxed it off.  I guess from the IVSM and pred. pills.  

Kelli

[Ojibajo]

I've had some hair loss with both but luckily, I still have quite a bit of it....on my chin. ;  )

[kel1lost]

Thank you for asking this question.  I just started Rebif about 1 month ago, and  I don't hava any trouble with it right now.  But I wonder about it.  And yes, stress will cause hair loss.  It happend to me before my dx.  It clogged my drain up so bad in the shower that it started filling up the shower like I was running water for a bath.  Thankfully it's much better now.  I'll be looking at this for some insight also.

Kelli

[Karensr]

Thanks for the replies.  I've read a mix of things on-line, from "yes, my hair thinned out and then the hair loss slowed" to "help! I'm losing hair and it won't let up!  

My wonder is how far will it go?  

I ordered some vitamins specific to healthy hair and should receive them any day.  I'll try anything at this point.

I will call my doctor later in the week to see what he says.  

[Sarahsmom46]

I had hair loss after starting Gilenya back in February and was very concerned about it.   There's something about these immune modulator drugs that have hair loss as a potential side effect.  I had to search and search the drug companies website to finally find it as it was an "uncommon" side effect and not on the packaging where mostly "common" side effects are only listed now days.  

Members of my gilenya support group said it would get better and it did, but it took almost 4 months. I think the avonex and the IVSM together isn't helping either.  Give it another month or 2 and see what happens.  You can always consult a dermatologist if it doesn't get better.

Good-luck.

Julie

[MsmsinFl]

I have thinning hair on Rebif -- started around 8 weeks after treatment started.  It gets a little better for a while, then the hair loss revs up again.  I even bought a very good wig, but have never used it (too hot!).

I've never had "great" hair, but these days my ponytail is the diameter of a pencil, and doesn't seem to ever get back to it's pre-Rebif state.  My neuro suggested taking Biotin & zinc supplements, which I do, but not sure it's made any difference.

Thyroid issues can also trigger hair loss, as can the meds (like synthroid) used to treat low thyroid.  And the interferons can affect your thyroid, so be sure to get that checked a couple of times a year.

Hope this helps.

[essdipity]

Well now, I don't know the answer.

Have been on Avonex for several years and my hair is as thick as ever, which is pretty thick. I didn't even know that hair loss can occur with Avonex.

I've never had IVSM, but I Googled intravenous solumedrol hair loss and got a lot of matches. I'm not sure how reliable any of them are, so take a look but reserve judgment.

Anyone else out there with hair loss on any of the interferons? Or solumedrol?

ess