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Hair loss from hydrocortisone suppositories?

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Posted 6/18/2018 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all! Have any of you experienced hair loss from hydrocortisone suppositories? In recent weeks I noticed that my hair has been shedding more than usual. I am no stranger to hair loss due to UC, but I usually experience it after a major flare with use of pred. This time around I have not had any major flare up of symptoms for quite some time and have been following a stable medication regiment. The only thing that I am worried about is prolonged use of hydrocortisone suppository (30 mg). I started using them in September, every day for around three weeks. I then tapered down to every fourth day (dosage for the majority of the time) and around a month ago I managed to taper down to every fifth day. I am of course concerned about prolonged usage, but both of my GIs seem to think that since I don’t do them every day, it shouldn’t be a concern in terms of side effects. Would it be possible for the hydrocortisone to accumulate and cause hair loss even on such a sporadic dose? I also take 2 lialda per day, for around two years now. I doubt that this would be from lialda, but who knows…
Posted 6/18/2018 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't put it in the cause category. You've been flaring and under a lot of stress related to that for a long while.
I do, however, suggest you have full blood work-up including thyroid and vitamin/mineral levels.

q
Posted 6/18/2018 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
I would blame the flare, that's a 90% topical medication with but a small amount of systematic affect.
Posted 6/18/2018 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
My flare hasn't been too bad, my GI actually thinks I'm in remission. The only issues I struggle with is gas and bloating, some days more than others.
Posted 6/18/2018 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't think it is the suppositories either, but I would ask your GI and maybe your pharmacist, if you have a good one you feel comfortable asking. Do you start having symptoms when you discontinue using them? I wouldn't call that remission if you have to be on steroids, but I guess your GI would know better than me.
Posted 6/18/2018 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
The term remission excludes steroid use.
Posted 6/18/2018 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Nortiptylene can cause hair loss. I saw your post about starting it recently and Googled if it can cause hair loss. Says it may go away with time.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/nortriptyline-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071998
Posted 6/21/2018 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your replies. It is a good idea to ask the pharmacist, I will do that. I'd like to think its not the suppositories either, as it would be strange that it would start all of a sudden, especially after decreasing the frequency.

As for the nortriptyline, I've been on the 10 mg (very small dose) for almost a year. Could it start causing hair loss all of a sudden?

I am also thinking that it could be the Lialda, but again, I've been on it for a while now.

Whatever is the reason, it is very frustrating. My hair is already not very sick, so losing even more would be quite devastating.
Posted 6/21/2018 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
I thought you said you just recently upped the dose. I don't know, but maybe something to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Posted 6/21/2018 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had blood testing done yet Katerina?

q
Posted 6/21/2018 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
I upped the nortriptyline just for two days, but decided to go back to my previous dose because I didn't feel well from it.

I had extensive bloodwork done in November, everything was in order. Even though my diet is limited, I taking a good multivitamin.
Posted 6/21/2018 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
Oh ok. Hmm. I don't know then. Hope you can figure it out.
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