Imbruvica and hair loss

[dancingqueenaa]

I’ve been taking Imbruvica for 5 months and at 4 months started losing my hair. At this point I’ve lost more than 60% and need to buy a wig. Does anyone know if this is permanent or temporary? Thanks.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi dancingqueenaa,

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If you look for the box on this page labeled Related Posts

*Imbruvica and hair loss

*Hair Loss with Venclexta/Venetoclax?

*Ibrutinib and hair loss

*Ibrutinib and hair loss

*Hair and Nail Abnormalities Common on Imbruvica (ibrutinib)

You will find several previous discussions and some suggestions.

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There are 95 posts here that mention Hair Loss: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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Len

[country76 in reply to lankisterguy]

I have had the same experience. However my thyroid supplement stopped working so I wasn't sure if it was the Ibrutinib or lack of thyroid. My hair was falling out and breaking off. I took Biotin however didn't really help. It has grown back thicker, kinky and curlier. Mostly around my face. The back is softer. I switched to Acalaburtinib due to other side effects and my thyroid drug was increased. I am on my second month and there has been a dramatic disappearance of side effects. I hope they stay away.

[Hidden]

what choice do you have?

[PlanetaryKim in reply to Hidden]

another drug?

[sllincolorado]

I agree with Kim. Not sure where you live but ask your doc about acalabrutinb and speak to a dermatologist to rule out a separate, coincidental cause. Based on comments on this site BTK inhibitors do seem to impact hair - many of us seem to now have curly or wavy hair so maybe it does something to follicles.

[Sierrastar]

I have been on Imbruvica for seven months. In anticipation of possible changes in my hair and nails I started taking biotin and collagen concurrently. In spite of this, two months ago, my hair started falling out in handfuls, however this lasted for only two weeks!!

Life is exciting isn’t it?

Elizabeth.

[mrsjsmith]

Hi,

Not as drastic as your hair loss but I noticed that the shower trap was getting blocked with hair soon after I started on Ibrutinib so I changed to a gentle ( and expensive ) shampoo and Aveda Invati conditioner. Hair back to normal now 🙂

Colette

[ferne]

My doctor diagnosed TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM hair loss following a very difficult attempt to ramp up on Venetoclax. I had pneumonia and high fever in the middle of it. All pretty stressful. Months later my hair was falling out whenever I touched it or just on the pillow. Eventually it grew back. My experience on Ibrutinib was thicker curly hair. Currently on acalabrutinib with no change to hair. I hope it resolves soon for you!

[Berrytog]

Your hair loss surprises me, I've been on Ibrutinib for ten years and my hair has got thicker and thicker, it was always a wavy. During this shielding I got to the stage where I could not see so I decided to cut it myself. Looking in the cupboard I noticed the equipment that we used for the dogs so I thought I would have a go. I have cut it now three times and thinned it each time but now it needs doing again. I was asked who cut my hair as the barber shops were all closed.

[ladyprescott1]

Hi There...I have had the most interesting hair problems since being on Imbruvica. My hair is not my hair anymore. It has become thicker, wiry, unruly, terribly dry, and unlike anything I've ever seen. I have been wearing wigs since before starting the meds. due to hair loss and was able to bring some of my hair into the front, now I can't due to the texture. I believe your only option would be a wig. Please be sure to buy a good one. I pay about $200 for each of mine, a lot of money I know, but do not buy an inexpensive one. My best to you. Carole

[CoBubby]

Start the Biotin. Maybe wash your hair once a week, and don't use a dryer. Also, if you use any chemicals such as hair dye or straighten stop. My hair started growing back after a couple of month. The texture is a little different.

[Hidden]

Don't know if it's permanent, but there are tons of charities out there who make wigs for cancer patients, mostly free of cost. Check out your local cancer society. Hope the hair comes back.