Alopecia Associated with Indinavir Therapy

The document reported on a study of 10 HIV-positive homosexual men, aged 30-51, who experienced hair loss while on indinavir therapy. The hair loss, which began within the first six months of treatment, primarily affected the lower limbs but also other body regions and the scalp in some cases. Additional side effects included skin dryness, cheilitis, paronychia, and peripheral lipoatrophy. Hair regrowth and improvement in skin conditions were observed within four months after switching from indinavir to other antiviral medications. The study suggested that indinavir might enhance retinoic acid signaling, leading to these side effects.