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hair loss - prednisone or/and Lialda?!

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Posted 7/28/2011 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
I know there was a thread about it, but I was unable to find it.

I've been on Lialda (4 tabs/day) for over 3 months. During this time was on Prednisone twice; first time, starting from 30mgs/day, tapered off within 8 weeks, then one week off, and again ON, 15mgs/day, tapered off quickly. Now without any symptoms for around 2 weeks. Still on Lialda. And.... lossing my hair terribly! I know, according to Lialda info, hair loss is the most common side effect. What scares me more, according to the same info, the side effects were described based on the ONLY 8 weeks trial.... Hmmm, so what happens after 8 weeks? Going to be bald soon?! smhair

Anyway, I just wander, is it only Lialda side effect or maybe something still connected to Prednisone? While on Predn, I grew some unwanted hair on my face, hands, so maybe now I'm getting rid of them (as well as my 'wanted' hair?!).
I'm back in US within few weeks and planning to see dermatologist ASAP, as I have my GI appointment in the beginning of September. And not sure what else he will be able to suggest. BTW, can Lialda be replaced by something else? Should I take biotin in the meantime? If so - how much daily?
Posted 7/28/2011 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had your iron checked? Anemia can cause hair loss. I noticed I lost a lot of hair when I began Asacol but eventually it stopped falling out and grew back and now I am back to how I always was, too much hair. Prednisone can cause hair loss but it should stop once you have been off prednisone for a period of time. I have been off for about 4 months and my hair is normal. I am still on Asacol and it doesn't seem to be effecting my hair right now.
Posted 7/28/2011 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm off Prednisone only for a few weeks so maybe my hair loss is due to Prednisone. To be honest - I hope it is, since my GI wants me to be on Lialda for longer time, maybe for years. In this case, the side effect of this drug would be much more frightening for me. On the other hand, I've been on Prednisone 'only' for a 2 months and a half - is it long enough to experience that kind of hair loss?
When I'm back in US, I'm going to have a full blood work done ASAP. But I've never been anemic or had any other kind of blood issues, even when I was in the middle of a full flare up. But, who knows?
Thanks for your advice!
Posted 7/28/2011 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
I've had hair loss that I think was largely due to prednisone. It didn't happen right away, but when it started, I was terrified that I was going to go bald also (hasn't happened yet :)) I started taking biotin--I believe it's 5 mg/day--and I think it's helped, although I have also been tapering down the pred, so that could have something to do with it.

One more thing you might try: Aveda makes a volumizing shampoo and conditioner--it's meant for fine hair, which mine had definitely become after months of losing so much. I don't know if it was all in my mind, but my hair did feel fuller after using it and it made me feel better about myself, which is so important when you're already feeling down because you're sick.
Posted 7/29/2011 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Predisone made my hair grow in thick then shed as I tapered. Being sick will make your hair fall out. Period. If you see bits and pieces of new hairs, your hair will eventually be restored.
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