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What Is Safe To Use After Experiencing Complete Hair Loss After Taking Methotrexate For Severe RA?
Question: I have severe RA & have been taking Diflusinal for years-then use tums/prilosec for my stomach, but it works. Tried on Methotrexate, worked ASAP, but my hair started falling out after 2 weeks - quit the med & lost all of my hair for 6 months until bald. The next one up--which suppresses the immune system, causes cancer, I will not try as it damages organs & Cancer runs in my family heavily. What is safe?
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Brief Answer:
TNF inhibitors can be used in methotrexate intolerance
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Methotrexate is the first line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unfortunately it has gastrointestinal side effects, toxicity to liver/lungs and may cause bone marrow suppression (production of blood cells). Hair loss from methotrexate is usually a temporary condition and the hair grows back after stopping the medication.
If you can not tolerate methotrexate, the group of medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are indicated (etanercept). It can be used alone or in combination with low dose methotrexate. Furthermore, TNF inhibitors in combination with low dose methotrexate also safer than methotrexate alone.
Unfortunately, all the medicines used to treat RA have side effects. TNF inhibitors may cause re-activation of existing tuberculosis (TB) infection therefore your doctor should check TB infection before prescribing it. It's side effects also include infections and injection site reactions.
Please consult with your doctor about the treatment of RA with TNF inhibitors.
Hope, this information is helpful for you. Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.
Thank you.
TNF inhibitors can be used in methotrexate intolerance
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Methotrexate is the first line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unfortunately it has gastrointestinal side effects, toxicity to liver/lungs and may cause bone marrow suppression (production of blood cells). Hair loss from methotrexate is usually a temporary condition and the hair grows back after stopping the medication.
If you can not tolerate methotrexate, the group of medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are indicated (etanercept). It can be used alone or in combination with low dose methotrexate. Furthermore, TNF inhibitors in combination with low dose methotrexate also safer than methotrexate alone.
Unfortunately, all the medicines used to treat RA have side effects. TNF inhibitors may cause re-activation of existing tuberculosis (TB) infection therefore your doctor should check TB infection before prescribing it. It's side effects also include infections and injection site reactions.
Please consult with your doctor about the treatment of RA with TNF inhibitors.
Hope, this information is helpful for you. Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.
Thank you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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