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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/24/2009 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
I've been having a lot of hair loss for a few weeks now...I can't remember exactly when it started.  I'm losing a LOT.  My hair did thicken quite dramatically when I was pregnant, so it could be that I'm still losing some of the glorious pregnancy hair.  However, if it doesn't stop/slow down soon, I'm afraid I'll start to look bald. 

I know that Asacol can cause hair loss, but I also know that being as sick as I was can cause hair loss (I had D 15-20 times a day at my most sick and lost weight quite rapidly). 

Have any of you experienced hair loss due to Asacol and/or a severe flare? 

If it was due to Asacol, did it ever stop or slow down? 

Posted 2/24/2009 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
I had noticable hair loss after my first diagnosis, which was by far the worst flare I've ever had. I was hospitalized for 4 days, lost a lot of weight, etc. My doctor said severe body trauma/illness can trigger hair loss. I have been on Asacol for 2+ years. My hair is definitely thicker now than it was when I first noticed hair loss, but it's not as beautiful and healthy as it was pre-UC......
Posted 2/24/2009 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Your probably having normal post pregnancy hair loss. Its disturbing after enjoying that luxurious thick hair. I wouldn't worry about it. It can go on for months. I had it after all three of my children. It's been a while since my last child but I think my hair started falling out when the baby was somewhere between 4-6m. cry
Posted 2/24/2009 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
You have both made me feel much better, so thank you!
Posted 2/24/2009 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
     I had a severe flare last year.  I notice my hair is much thinner.  It hasn't been falling out as far as I know because it isn't in the drain when I wash my hair nor do I see it in the brush.  I take Colazal and 6MP.  I believe it is the 6MP causing the thinning out of my hair.
Posted 2/24/2009 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
I thought I was bald the other day after a shower because I lost so much hair. I was actually scared. I am definitely losing a lot of hair but I have so much it is not noticable. I hope it stops before I am bald.
Posted 2/24/2009 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have been losing a crazy amount of hair for about 6 weeks now... I think it started before I began taking Asacol.  But you are right, I have read that it can occur as a result of major illness and also from taking Asacol, so I'm sure both are contributing. 

My friend said she was having hair loss (different illness & meds) and she is taking a product called Prairie Naturals Hair-Force and it has helped.  I have not tried it myself but am considering it.  Please note I am not promoting this or even recommending it as I have not even tried it yet.

Posted 2/25/2009 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
The time frame matches what I experienced with all three of my kiddos. On the other hand, with my son's biggest flare he lost so much hair he almost looked like a cancer patient. We never did know if it was from malnutrition, steroids, Imuran or all of the above. He had longish (collar length) thick, beautiful hair and ended up having to get a short spikey cut.

On the recommendations from here, had him take biotin and use nioxen shampoo and his loss stopped and now he has his nice head of hair back!

It was very traumatic, though to see the shower drain and his pillow case every day and then I would just about cry when I would see him in light and could see his scalp.
Posted 2/25/2009 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
I had a really severe flare in July.. Hospitalized for over a week, lost over 20 lbs... I was on Asacol for about 7 months and never had hair loss. Then my Dr. switched me to Lialda and I've been losing hair for almost 3 months now. It freaks me out... The whole front of my head is full of baby hair. It's like my hair line has receded. My brush, sink and tub is FULL of hair every morning and then I lose it all day if I run my hands through it. I had really thick hair before which I guess is fortunate. I can wrap my hair tie an extra 3 times around my pony tail! Hopefully it stops soon...
Posted 2/25/2009 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
I have been diagnosed with uc twelve years ago and went from having a lot of hair to gradually less.  I still have a good amount because the decrease has been gradual but now it is starting to show a bit. I have absolutely no history of hair loss in my family.  Also it is uncomfortable in the inside the area in the front where the hair is slowly disappearing (hard to describe the feeling but it is annoying). The skin kinda gets red there too sometimes. I would welcome any suggestions.   

Posted 4/5/2009 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
I was losing so much hair for so many years it was causing bald spots - that's when I got scared and did some research to find that
mesalamine (asacol, colazol) causes hair loss. I stopped taking the colazol 6 months ago and my hair loss stopped completely, but
6 months later (after being in remission with UC for 4 years) I am having a MAJOR flare. GI says hair loss is a known side effect.
Posted 4/5/2009 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
I have been experiencing a lot of hairloss for about 2 years, and I've been on asocal since I noticed it. No bald spots yet. I didn't know if it was because of age/genetics, but my dad still has a full head. I'm not losing as much now as I was. Has anyone gotten off Asocal and noticed hair growth?

Posted 4/5/2009 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have not experienced any hairloss myself although I know someone that has had a bit of it... maybe it's time you consider going off asocal, try talking to your doctor about it! g'luck
Posted 4/8/2009 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
When I stopped taking Asacol and colazol, my hair started to grow back immediately no more hair loss and the bald spots were quickly filled in by baby fine hair.
Posted 4/8/2009 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Well, since this got brought up again, I'm happy to report that my hair loss has ended and that I've started to re-grow hair. I have a lot of little short ones around my hairline!! So, I think it was likely my pregnancy hair falling out combined with being so, so sick. I'm still on the same dose of Asacol.

Scorpion, I'm sorry, but going off of a drug that's helping me get into remission, then should help me stay in remission, just because of hair loss is not a smart idea. Hair loss is cosmetic; it's MUCH more important to keep my UC in control than it is to have hair. If it had come down to it, I would have gotten a ig.
Posted 4/9/2009 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
You're lucky. I am still losing tons of hair. I do agree though, better off in a wig than on the toilet all day cramped up :-)
Posted 4/9/2009 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Ahhh, I'm sorry, sicklygirl! I hope it ends for you soon!
Posted 4/9/2009 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
All the UC meds can cause hair loss to varying degrees, but so can poor health, such as debilitating flares. The best thing to do: take your meds, practice good nutrition, & get adequate rest & reasonable amount of exercise + sunshine (vitamin D). That will help new hair to grow in. You can also look into Forvia vitamins, which are formulated especially for IBDers. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 4/9/2009 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
     I did buy a wig online. Matter of fact, I bought two of them!  I don't like the second one but the first one looks great!
Posted 4/9/2009 8:53 PM (GMT 0)

The Dr upped my dose of Asacol (from 6 a day to 9) and I started losing hair like crazy.  My hair is really thick so I'm okay with it but if I had thinner hair it would be a bit alarming. 

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