TLDR Anti-TNF therapy can cause weight gain and hair loss, leading some patients to stop treatment.
The study investigated the incidence of weight gain and hair loss as adverse effects of anti-TNF therapy in 150 patients with rheumatic diseases. Weight gain was observed in 20 patients (13.3%), with an average gain of 5.5 kg, leading to discontinuation of therapy in 5 cases. Hair loss was reported in 5 female patients (3.3%), resulting in therapy discontinuation in all cases. The findings suggested that weight gain and hair loss were associated with anti-TNF therapy and could be reasons for discontinuing the treatment. Further prospective studies were recommended to better understand these side effects.
61 citations,
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.
2 citations,
January 2014 in “Journal of clinical and investigative dermatology” Some drugs used to treat immune conditions may cause different types of hair loss.
8 citations,
September 2017 in “Journal of Natural Medicines” Applying an extract from Perilla frutescens helps hair grow and fights the effects of hair loss hormones.
42 citations,
March 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Anti-TNF therapy can cause hair loss and skin issues.
72 citations,
February 2011 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology” Anti-TNF therapy can cause a unique type of hair loss that may get better with topical treatments without stopping the therapy.
60 citations,
September 2013 in “Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics” Immunosuppressive and anti-TNF therapies in IBD patients can increase the risk of skin cancer and cause various skin issues.
