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Starting 6mp and scared. What's the deal, does hair loss reall happen? To what degree?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/11/2013 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,

I'm a mid 30s asian male with Crohn's currently on lialda and entocort. They want to take me off entocort as I've been on it for like 5 years and replace with 6mp.

I read all these horror stories about hair loss. Does this happen and to how many people? Seems like to everyone but hoping there are stories out there that it doesn't effect them that way.

Also, is it balding? clumps? just a little or a lot? Would love to know as all i hear are crying horror stories.

Thanks so much.!
Posted 7/11/2013 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Never had any hair loss on any of the Crohn's meds, including 6MP.

Despite the horror stories (which I've also read), I suspect hair loss is a relatively rare symptom. It obviously happens, but probably not to most people.

Hate to say this, but you are at the age where balding will soon start to happen - if that's what your genes incline you towards. Easiest way to tell is by looking at older male members of your family and whether they have gone bald or not.
Posted 7/11/2013 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
i'm the same as NCOT. never had any hair loss from UC meds (including 6mp) and I've been on a crap ton of them all at once. it's definitely a possibility, but I guess I've been lucky.
Posted 7/12/2013 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
I seem to have hair loss with every flare but especially with asycol
Posted 7/13/2013 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

My son is on 6mp for about 18 months and has some hair loss. It looks like it is plucked out in places not all around. He keeps his hair very short and you can only really notice it when it starts to grow back. Funny thing though when it grows back it grows back quick so he is at the barber every three weeks.
Posted 7/13/2013 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Forget the hair, deal with the Crohns. Some say it is a vitamin deficiency, folic acid (Vitamin B?) Some drugs interfere with the ability to absorb the nutrients we need. Everyone is different, your genetics may or may not be affected. Relax, loose the stress, talk to your GP if it happens. There are some meds that will help.

T

Better Living Though Chemistry
Posted 7/14/2013 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Wow it's a toughie
Posted 7/14/2013 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I really should have put in my post also that 6mp has worked really well for him. So I guess the problem with the hair loss is worth it if it is keeping the crohn's in check. Plus you should also take into consideration that just because some people suffer hair loss you may not.

Good luck with your decision.
Posted 7/18/2013 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on 6mp for almost 10 months now (and was on it previously for almost 2 yrs) and I've never had hair loss *knock on wood* it has been working for me when other drugs wouldn't, so I'm so grateful I'm not sick everyday now!
Posted 7/19/2013 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I never lost hair from the 6MP. It really didn't work well for me. In order for me to get to the therapeutic level, I got REALLY sick. It caused my blood sugar to rise significantly - upto 300 every time I ate. I also felt like i could throw up all the time. I hear it has been a wonder drug for a lot of people, I wasn't so lucky. I went from 6MP to Remicade to Humira. Humira has been a wonder drug for me. Good Luck!
Posted 7/22/2013 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
I'd say a more serious side effect from 6MP is osteoporosis. Previous posts are correct in that 6MP doesn't allow certain nutrients and minerals to be absorbed. Do some research on that, forget hair loss.
Posted 7/23/2013 10:52 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't know 6mp can cause osteoporosis.

I do have hair loss from Imuran.
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