Hair Alterations from Medications

January 2014

Antonellá Tosti, Bianca Maria Piraccini

drug-induced hair alterations telogen effluvium anagen effluvium alopecia antitumor chemotherapeutic agents permanent alopecia

TLDR Some drugs can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

The document discussed drug-induced hair alterations, highlighting that most drug-related alopecias manifested as telogen effluvium, which was often not visibly apparent and reversible. Antitumor chemotherapeutic agents caused both telogen and anagen effluvium, leading to acute and severe alopecia, which was generally reversible. However, some chemotherapeutic drugs could result in permanent alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Drugs and Hair Loss: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

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Some medications can cause hair loss, but stopping the drug usually leads to recovery within 3 months.

research Semiology of Skin Toxicity Associated with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors

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Skin problems like acne, dry skin, and nail and hair changes are common in patients taking EGFR inhibitors.

research Permanent Alopecia After Systemic Chemotherapy: A Clinicopathological Study of 10 Cases

57 citations , March 2011 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Chemotherapy can cause permanent, non-reversible hair loss similar to pattern baldness.

research A Case of Cicatricial Alopecia Associated with Erlotinib

25 citations , January 2011 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Erlotinib can cause hair loss as a side effect.

research Alopecia Secondary to Mesotherapy

49 citations , July 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Some people experienced hair loss after mesotherapy treatments for hair loss.

research Alopecia Associated With Ritonavir-Boosted Atazanavir Therapy

7 citations , June 2007 in “AIDS”

A man's hair loss was linked to his HIV medication, which improved after changing drugs.

research Drug Reactions Affecting Hair: Diagnosis

85 citations , April 2007 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Some drugs can cause hair loss, change hair color and shape, or increase hair growth, and treatment may involve stopping the drug or using specific hair growth treatments.

research Enoxaparin-Induced Alopecia in Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

26 citations , August 2006 in “Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics”

Some patients lost hair after being treated with the drug enoxaparin for a brain vein clot.

research Drug-Induced Hair Disorders

40 citations , August 2006 in “Current Drug Safety”

Some drugs can cause hair loss, excessive growth, or color changes, often reversible but sometimes permanent.

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