Has anyone taking Leflunomide experienced hair loss as a side effect?

[Luthien66]

MY RA consultant suggested I try this as the Hyrdoxychloroquine & Sulfasalazine don't appear to be working as well. However, I experienced slight hair thinning with Methotexate & am concerned this will happen with Leflunimide as apparently this is a possible side effect.

[Hidden]

I am taking Leflunomide along with Embrel, before I was on MTX, since coming of MTX my hair is not loosing at the rate is was before, I have noticed this by the amount of hair which is on my brush. I have spoken to my hairdresser and he says it feels better than before. I hope this eases your mind, although it could be the combination that I am using now.

[Beth58]

Yeah, I've been on Lef for a number of years now. My hair is quite thin now but I take lots of other medication for other illness's so it's very possibly a combination of a few other strong drugs I take. It's not so thin my hairdresser can't give me a decent short hairstyle.

Also, please bare in mind these side effects don't affect everyone.

Good luck with the Leflunomide.

Beth xx

[Cathryn]

Yes I am getting a lot of hair loss since taking Leflunomide but I have also had a lot less pain and swelling in my knees since taking it. The rest of my joints are pretty much the same and a lot are worse but I can now walk to the bathroom without the aid of of frame so that is an improvement :).

My hair thinning doesn't bother me other than my room is constantly full of hair lol! I was seriously thinking of shaving my head to raise money for charity but don't know if I have the guts? I think it would help my scalp as I have Psoriatic arthritis and the scalp psoriasis is so itchy and annoying at least I would be able to moisturise my head ha ha!

I think you need to weigh up which is more important to you. Being free from pain or thinning hair? All the drugs have side effects of some sort so it's just trial and error until you find whatever suits you and your lifestyle best . Good luck .x

[Hidden in reply to Cathryn]

Have you tried different shampoos, as I have been lucky to have found a shampoo is Joiba based and it appears to have helped to keep the Psoriasis at bay. I have also used the specialist treatment shampoo from my Hairdressers along with the conditioners, all helps, rather than the ones they prescribe for you. More human!

[Luthien66]

Thanks everyone for your replies, very helpful. I don't think I will start Lef, particularly as Methetrexate affected me quite badly (& didn't really help much!).

I'm due back at my RA nurse next week so will probably ask for another steroid injection and stick with what I'm currently on.

[Freesia]

Hi

I suffered from hair loss as soon as I started on MTX and came off it. I have now been taking Leflunomide for nearly a year and I haven't suffered any hair loss.

Good Luck.

[lorann]

I think it did when I first started taking it along with MTX and the Biologic Simponi. But it is better now, so may be just temporary. Good luck, Loretxx

[Josie2]

Im on leflunomide and havnt experienced hair loss at all.

Hope you get sorted.

Xxx

[bhajek]

I was only on leflumide for about six weeks and probably have lost half my hair and I am still losing it. Luckily I had a ton of hair but am worried it is not going to stop! I think everyone is different but I wouldn't try it if you are worried about your hair.