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Hair Loss on Asacol HD - Help!!!

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Posted 10/16/2014 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis of whole colon in May 2014. I have been showing some symptoms of Crohn's recently too. I am on Asacol HD 800mg 3 times a day that has put me in remission since July 2014.

Now I am losing hair. I have lost about 75% of hair in just two weeks. It is due to side effect of Asacol HD. Would my body adjust to Asacol? Would my hair ever grow back? Should I change the medication?

Thanks for your suggestions.

Post Edited (shortwoman) : 10/16/2014 4:30:28 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/16/2014 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, meslamine-based drugs such as asacol hd do have thinning hair and hair loss listed as possible side effects.
Posted 10/16/2014 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Some people have had success taking folic acid to stop the hair thinning.
Posted 10/16/2014 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Does that mean my hair will never grow back and I should change the medication?
Posted 10/16/2014 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I think it is more important for your uc to be in remission. The hair loss is caused by the drug. Should you go on another class of medications then your hair will grow back. Higher classes of uc drugs carry more risk and side effects, so switching to them to avoid one side effect may not work out all that well for you.
Posted 10/16/2014 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
It will be hard for your hair to grow back while on the medicine. I would try the folic acid. If your UC is in remission then you really don't want to mess with that. Being completely bald is better than being in a severe UC flare. You are pretty new to this. This disease can get really ugly and nasty if you don't stay on top of it, forever. Many make regular trips to the hospital. You are already on the lowest dose of Asacol. Don't ever go lower than that or off. Ever. I would really give the folic acid a shot.
Posted 10/16/2014 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Sorry your having to deal with that! I think losing ones hair is a big deal. I think I would want to change the meds..I get that being in remission is more important, but I think if the folic acid doesn't do much I would ask to try a different Mesalamine.
Posted 10/16/2014 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
I noticed my hair falling out when I first started the meds but now it's just kinda stopped and is staying the same.
Posted 10/16/2014 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
I'm taking 4 grams of pentasa (think it's the same as asacol) alongside 175mg imuran and 5mg folic acid (once a week) and am having hair loss as well. I really can't say if the folic acid has helped at all, but then I've been taking it from the beginning. For me the hair loss seems to happen during periods occurring every few months. It's now getting to the point where I'm beginning to freak out a little! (not good when you're only 22 haha)
If I were you I'd definitely give the folic acid a go just in case.
Posted 10/17/2014 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Not sure if you are in remission or flaring, but I lose hair when I'm in a flare. I agree that losing a lot of hair is a big deal. You may want to talk to your GI about changing meds.
Posted 10/17/2014 4:54 AM (GMT 0)

garylouisville said...
Being completely bald is better than being in a severe UC flare..

I'll take bald any day over UC.
Posted 10/17/2014 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
also you can use biotin for hair loss, or at least it may stop the hair from falling out more.
Posted 10/17/2014 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I noticed more hair loss with Asacol than Apriso but that could just be my body adjusting to the meds.

I have to agree that I would take remission and baldness any day.
I'd rock some cool beanies and scarves :)
Posted 10/17/2014 10:46 PM (GMT 0)

Dreadsteel said...

garylouisville said...
Being completely bald is better than being in a severe UC flare..

I'll take bald any day over UC.

I would too! I would gladly wear a wig for the rest of my days than have to wear a diaper mad

(For the record, I'm a lady)
Posted 10/18/2014 12:50 AM (GMT 0)

toomuchpoopin said...

Dreadsteel said...

garylouisville said...
Being completely bald is better than being in a severe UC flare..

I'll take bald any day over UC.

I would too! I would gladly wear a wig for the rest of my days than have to wear a diaper mad

(For the record, I'm a lady)

Naaah, i like exotic ladies throw the wig away smilewinkgrin

Edit: Delphine Chanéac as Dren in Splice (2010) VIEW IMAGE

& /www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpyiuzcic1s

Post Edited (Dreadsteel) : 10/17/2014 6:59:30 PM (GMT-6)

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