TLDR Adalimumab can cause complete hair loss in rare cases.
A 50-year-old male with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis developed alopecia universalis (AU) after one year of biweekly adalimumab injections, despite improvement in his primary conditions. Trichoscopy confirmed AU, and the patient was switched to etanercept, which managed his psoriasis and arthritis but did not result in hair regrowth after six months. The exact mechanism of adalimumab-induced hair loss was unclear, but the patient's autoimmune background and the immunomodulatory effects of adalimumab were considered potential triggers. The Naranjo scale score of 7 indicated a probable adverse drug reaction. The case underscored the need for further research on the duration and reversibility of this side effect and the importance of educating patients about this potential risk.
16 citations,
April 2014 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” A patient lost all their hair while on rheumatoid arthritis medication.
110 citations,
December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Alopecia areata is a genetic and immune-related hair loss condition that is often associated with other autoimmune diseases and does not typically cause permanent damage to hair follicles.
8 citations,
August 2012 in “Archives of dermatology” Psoriasis can cause hair growth in areas affected by alopecia areata.
March 2022 in “Wound practice & research” New treatments for alopecia areata show promise, but standardized guidelines are needed.
67 citations,
January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” The document concludes that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease without a definitive cure, but treatments like corticosteroids are commonly used.
1 citations,
September 2020 in “Cochrane library (CD-ROM)” The analysis aims to identify the most effective and safest treatments for alopecia areata.
1 citations,
October 2013 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” Diagnosing alopecia areata is challenging and requires careful examination and various tests to distinguish it from other hair loss types.
99 citations,
July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology” New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.
