TLDR Some drugs used to treat inflammation may cause hair loss.
The study analyzed 282,590 spontaneous adverse drug reaction reports from the French Pharmacovigilance Database, identifying 1068 cases of alopecia, with 52 cases (4.9%) associated with TNF-α antagonist exposure, including drugs like infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, and certolizumab. A significant association between TNF-α antagonists and alopecia was found, with a pooled reporting odds ratio of 3.0. The study confirmed a strong link between TNF-α antagonist exposure and the occurrence of alopecia, suggesting a class effect, despite TNF-α's known role in inhibiting hair growth and its implication in alopecia areata pathogenesis. The paradox is that while TNF-α antagonists are used to treat inflammatory diseases, they have been reported to induce alopecia, including alopecia areata. The document concludes that there is a confirmed association between TNF-α antagonist exposure and various types of alopecia.
61 citations
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June 2010 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Anti-TNF-α therapy may increase the risk of developing alopecia areata, especially in those with a history of autoimmune disease.
38 citations
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January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” A woman developed hair loss after starting a treatment with adalimumab, suggesting this medication might cause hair loss.
69 citations
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December 2006 in “Archives of dermatology” Adalimumab may cause severe hair loss in some patients.
23 citations
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October 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Two transplant patients on cyclosporine unexpectedly developed hair loss.
75 citations
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June 2005 in “Archives of Dermatology” Etanercept may not prevent alopecia areata from coming back.
2 citations
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April 2025 in “Biologics” Dupilumab and ustekinumab are promising treatments for alopecia areata, showing significant hair regrowth.
15 citations
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March 2021 in “Journal of clinical medicine” Biologic treatments for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause skin problems, and doctors should adjust treatment if these occur.
2 citations
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January 2014 in “Journal of clinical and investigative dermatology” Some drugs used to treat immune conditions may cause different types of hair loss.
38 citations
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January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” A woman developed hair loss after starting a treatment with adalimumab, suggesting this medication might cause hair loss.
21 citations
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April 2010 in “Veterinary Dermatology” Hydroxychloroquine showed some potential, but overall, the three drugs had limited success in treating lupus in dogs.
