Humira and excessive (?) hair loss

I have been trying biotin supplements. they seem to help but I still have thinner hair than before. I also take folic acid but not as much as I should (tummy gets upset sometimes) There have been some other posts on this but I know the search is not always the best. I would recommend some supplements. I think many medications deplete us of the vitamins and minerals our hair need such as biotin and folic acid. Both of those supplements are really cheap too! Karen

Hair loss while on the anti-tumor necrosis factor meds like Remicade and Humira has been reported by others. However, you said you have the Humira side effect of joint pain. While joint pain is listed as a uncommon side effect of taking Humira, in combination with the severe hair loss, I would talk to my doctor about other possible causes and perhaps testing for them. Humira is known to cause drug induced lupus erythematosus [DILE]. Hair loss and joint pain are very common in DILE. Not meant to alarm you, but it is something that came immediately to mind when I read your post.

I have the same promblem but I am on Remi not Humira. I have no advice for you I am going to talk to my doc about this next week.

I've been on Humira for a year+ now and haven't experienced any side effects. I inject once a week (during better times, twice a month). I'm 51. When I was in my late 20s I did have a bout of alopecia (hair loss). My hair thinned dramactically and my eyebrows were almost non-existent. After steriod treatments, and trying alternative thearpies, and a few years later, my hair stopped falling out. The large bald patches on my head starting growing hair. It never got back to “normal” but it's pretty good. Since being diagnosed with Crohns in 1995, I attribute the hair loss time as being part of this inflammatory disease... meaning my immune system has been out of whack for some time and perhaps the hair loss (and other illnesses along the way) have all been a part of this core issue: a whacked out immune system

Best to talk with your doc some more (be pushy if necessary) and don't stop until you get the answers you need. This site is a wonderful resource as well. Hang in there. Things will get better.

Hello -- I don't have Crohn's -- However, my husband does and that is why I am on this forum.  He was taking Humira and developed severe joint pain.  He will be seeing my rheumatologist this week -- he is seeing mine because I have Lupus and the reason I am sending this post is that one of the symptoms of Lupus is hair loss.  Please realize the hair loss occurs at least 3 to 4 months after the onset of a lupus flare. (it takes that long for the new hair growth to push the dead hair out) So think backward and see if your joint pain started at the same time.   You can also test negative for the standard ANA since by the time you are tested the flare may be past you -- but you still may have lupus caused by the Humira.  Please check with your rheumatologist -- hair loss is a symptom of Lupus! 

I never had the traditional facial rash that most associate with Lupus -- I had low platelet counts, swollen glands and severe joint pain -- add the hair loss to that and I was diagnosed with Lupus -- even though my ANA was negative during my first blood work.   The ANA  was positive the 2nd time I was tested.  It is important to have a urine test too as Lupus can mess with your kidneys. If you have to urinate in the middle of the night every night and it isn't that much urine and  you wonder why your body is telling you to get up -- you are not getting old!  It is a sign of kidney issues -- tell your rheumatologist if that is happening and he will check for protein and blood in your urine and your creatinine level.  

I realize everyone is different -- but Lupus is very difficult to diagnose and you may not be mentioning all of your symptoms to the correct doctor.  

Hi Jimbo and welcome to Healingwell. You have attached to a post that is over 2 years old. Neska only made one post and never came back. You might be better served by starting a new post and ask your question there. Most tend to avoid these old posts as they think they already responded. Hugs!

PS: Many of our meds cause hairshedding. Folic Acid and Biotin are two good supplements to help slow it down.