Plaquenil and Hair Loss

[mranxiety]

I started taking Plaquenil for Re-Active Arthritis / Mycoplasma Infection 3 months ago. I have been noticing a significant amount of hair loss (something I really do not want to experience).

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Will my hair grow back if I stop taking this drug?

Thanks,

Mr. Anxiety

[zuzu8]

Mr Anxiety (your name says it all!),

Plequenil can have a myriad of side effects (as does just about any drug on the market for anything.)!!

Although not a common side effect, yes, hair loss (also bleaching of the hair) is listed in the pharmaceutical literature as a possible side effect.

The hair loss should be reversible upon discontinuing the drug.

Definitely speak to you doctor about this.

zuzu xxx

[jennybyc]

I was on Plaquenil for 6 years before having to stop it last year due to eye problems(not from Plaquenil it turns out). I lost about half my hair and every strand plus some has grown in since stopping the drug.

And it is the most common side effect of the drug. Compared with the side effects for other drugs for inflammatory arthritis I'll take the hair loss any day. Beats the side effect of cancer for all the biologic drugs(Enbrel, Humira, Orencia). Way your options carefully. Plaquenil is about as mild a drug as possible in the arthritis arsenal.

good luck............Jenny