Which Medications Cause Hair Loss?'

 

Name: Luke

Question: I'm starting to lose more hair than usual but it's coming out from all over my head, not just on top so I don't think I'm balding. The only thing I can think of that might be causing it is the medications I am on for some health problems I'm having at the moment. Can you tell me which medications cause hair loss?

Answer: Hi Luke. You are correct in thinking that it is unlikely to be Male Pattern Baldness due to the hair loss being diffuse and spread across the whole head.

This does sound like a fairly classic case of the temporary hair loss condition Telogen Effluvium which can indeed occur as a side effect of various medications. In fact, it is the most common form of medication-related hair loss.

WedMD lists the following medications that can cause hair loss, usually through Telogen Effluvium:

Acne medications
Antibiotics and antifungal medications
Antidepressants
Oral contraceptives
Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Cholesterol-lowering medications
Immunosuppressant medications
Chemotherapy medications
Epilepsy medications (anticonvulsants)
High blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives)
Hormone replacement therapy - oestrogen or progesterone for women, androgens and testosterone for men
Interferons
Mood stabilisers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ( NSAIDs)
Parkinson's disease medications
Steroids
Thyroid medications

Telogen Effluvium causes follicles to prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, and tends to last up to six months. Although it will generally clear up on its own, there is treatment for Telogen Effluvium available to help speed up the regrowth process.

If the shedding continues for more than six months, it may be the more severe condition Chronic Telogen Effluvium which lasts at least six months. A hair loss specialist will be able to diagnose your specific condition and provide you with a regrowth plan personally-tailored to your needs, as  well as on-going support.