MD answer
Methotrexate is not one of the drugs which commonly causes hair loss - especially at the very low doses used for Rheumatoid arthritis. People do vary, but I've seen MANY people on methotrexate over the 20 years I was a doctor prescribing chemotherapy for cancer, and hair loss was very rare with this drug. You should NOT have to worry about this. The worry might cause more hair loss than the drug.Does methotrexate cause hair loss in patients using it for cancer only?
side effects may occur in anyone, irrespective of the intended use.
I would be more worried about the effects it could have on the kidney's. When we administer high doses in chemotherapy for our hematological cancer patients, we monitor their kidney function.
Make sure you are drinking plenty and are putting out as much as you drink. Notify doc if there is any deviation in your intake/output.
I was prescribed Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It made me very sick and i lost quite a lot of hair. It got to the point where i refused to take it.
There are now what i think are better options avaiable.
My rheumatologist has me on a cocktail.
Celebrex, Arava (excellent), Salazopyrin, Plaquenil, Cipramil.
Even one or a few could be an option as opposed to Methotrexate.
Also splints at night to keep the joints in good condition.
Check with your rheumatologist
methotrexate can cause hair loss for any condition it is prescribed for. It thins hair in some people but not others. And it's rare to have complete hair loss from methotrexate. The amount of drug taken as well as duration could also have the impact of hair loss.
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