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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Hair Loss While On Meloxicam For Osteoarthritis?

I have been taking meloxicam for about a year for osteoarthritis of the knee. I have been experiencing hair loss & just read that it could be one of the side effects. I have not been taking the meloxicam for the past two months- can I expect a reversal of the hair loss and regrowth if I stop taking it completely? Jean Delfoe YYYY@YYYY - thank you JD
Tue, 30 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting on HCM
Hair loss is a rare side effect of meloxicam but it may however happen.Hair fall and replacement is a constant cycle in humans.Hair loss however occurs when hair falls at a rate higher than replacement.Apart from drugs, this condition could be caused by the following medical conditions: genetic factors, hormonal imbalances like thyroid problems, patchy hair loss, scalp infection by bacterium or fungus, systemic diseases like lupus, hair pulling disorders, some medications with meloxicam not being the most important, certain hairstyles and treatments.
Effective treatment for some causes are available but some hair loss may be permanent.Treatment options may include: medications like minoxidil and finasteride, surgery, wigs and hairpieces.Your Doctor may exploit a combination of these methods for better results.
The following may however help you to prevent preventable causes of hair loss:
-Eat a nutritionally balanced diet.
-Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails.
-Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.
-Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing.
-Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanents.
You may see a Dermatologist if these measure do not help.As for the use of meloxicam, i will suggest you discuss it with your Doctor before discontinuing the treatment for an alternative pain medication for your osteoarthritis.Your Doctor may only change the drug if convinced the cause of hair loss is related to the drug.
Hope this will help
Regards
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What Causes Hair Loss While On Meloxicam For Osteoarthritis?

Hi Thanks for posting on HCM Hair loss is a rare side effect of meloxicam but it may however happen.Hair fall and replacement is a constant cycle in humans.Hair loss however occurs when hair falls at a rate higher than replacement.Apart from drugs, this condition could be caused by the following medical conditions: genetic factors, hormonal imbalances like thyroid problems, patchy hair loss, scalp infection by bacterium or fungus, systemic diseases like lupus, hair pulling disorders, some medications with meloxicam not being the most important, certain hairstyles and treatments. Effective treatment for some causes are available but some hair loss may be permanent.Treatment options may include: medications like minoxidil and finasteride, surgery, wigs and hairpieces.Your Doctor may exploit a combination of these methods for better results. The following may however help you to prevent preventable causes of hair loss: -Eat a nutritionally balanced diet. -Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails. -Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair. -Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing. -Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanents. You may see a Dermatologist if these measure do not help.As for the use of meloxicam, i will suggest you discuss it with your Doctor before discontinuing the treatment for an alternative pain medication for your osteoarthritis.Your Doctor may only change the drug if convinced the cause of hair loss is related to the drug. Hope this will help Regards