Hair Loss Side Effect

Did you know that many commonly prescribed prescription drugs can cause temporary hair loss or trigger the onset of male and female pattern baldness, and even cause permanent hair loss. Be sure to investigate the side effects of all your medications for hair loss. The drugs below are listed by category, according to the conditions they treat, then by brand name first followed by the drug’s generic name in parentheses. In some categories, individual drugs are not listed. For these conditions, you will want to discuss the possibility of hair loss as a side effect of using any of the drugs that treat that particular condition, since many do contribute to hair loss. 

Note that the drugs listed here do not include those used in chemotherapy and radiation for cancer treatment:

Acne

All drugs derived from vitamin A as treatments for acne or other conditions, including:

• Accutane (isotretinoin)

Blood

Anticoagulants (blood thinners), including:

• Panwarfin (warfarin sodium)
• Sofarin (warfarin sodium)
• Coumadin (warfarin sodium)
• Heparin injections

Cholesterol

Cholesterol-lowering drugs, including:

• Atronid-S (clofibrate)
• Lopid (gemfibrozil)

Convulsions/ Epilepsy

• Anticonvulsants, including:
• Tridone (trimethadione)

Depression

• Antidepression drugs, including:
• Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride)
• Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Anafranil (clomipramine)
• Janimine (imipramine)
• Tofranil (imipramine)
• Tofranil PM (imipramine)
• Adapin (doxepin)
• Sinequan (doxepin)
• Surmontil (trimipramine)
• Pamelor (nortriptyline)
• Ventyl (nortriptyline)
• Elavin (amitriptyline)
• Endep (amitriptyline)
• Norpramin (desipramine)
• Pertofrane (desipramine)
• Vivactil (protriptyline hydrochloride)
• Asendin (amoxapine)
• Haldol ( haloperidol)

Diet

• Amphetamines

Fungus

• Antifungals

Glaucoma

• The beta-blocker drugs, including:
• Timoptic Eye Drops (timolol)
• Timoptic Ocudose (timolol)
• Timoptic XC (timolol)

Gout

• Lopurin (allopurinol)
• Zyloprim (allopurinol)

Heart

Many drugs prescribed for the heart, including those known as the beta blockers, which are also used to treat high blood pressure, and include:

• Tenormin (atenolol)
• Lopressor (metoprolol)
• Corgard (nadolol)
• Inderal and Inderal LA (propanolol)
• Blocadren (timolol)
• High Blood Pressure
• See Above list of beta blockers under "Heart"

Hormonal Conditions

All hormone-containing drugs and drugs prescribed for hormone-related, reproductive, male-specific, and female-specific conditions and situations have the potential to cause hair loss, including:

• Birth Control Pills
• Hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) for women (estrogen or progesterone)
• Male androgenic hormones and all forms of testosterone
• Anabolic steriods
• Prednisone and other steroids

Inflammation

• Many anti-inflammatory drugs, including those prescribed for localized pain, swelling and injury.
• Arthritis drugs
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs including:
  - Naprosyn (naproxen)
  - Anaprox (naproxen)
  - Anaprox DS (naproxen)
  - Indocin (indomethacin)
  - Indocin SR (indomethacin)
  - Clinoril (sulindac)

An anti-inflammatory that is also used as a chemotherapy drug:

• Methotrexate (MTX)
• Rheumatex (methotrexate)
• Folex (methotrexate)

Parkinson's Disease

• Levadopa / L-dopa (dopar, larodopa)

Thyroid Disorders

• Many of the drugs used to treat the thyroid

Ulcer

• Many of the drugs used to treat indigestion, stomach difficulties, and ulcers, including over-the-counter dosages and prescription dosages.
• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Zantac (ranitidine)
• Pepcid (famotidine)

SOURCE: AMERICAN HAIR LOSS ASSOCIATION

Caring for Your Naked Head 

When you have a bald or shaven head, it can be tempting to leave your scalp alone. However, it is extremely important that you take care of it. Here are some tips for you:

Wash it. Even though your hair is bald, your scalp will still produce oils and become a magnet for dirt. In turn, this can clog your pores and stunt hair growth. You can easily prevent these issues by using a shampoo. If you have dandruff, use a dandruff shampoo. Scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by spraying your hair with Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water before washing your hair. Mix 1-part Apple Cider vinegar with 2 parts water. Please check to make sure you are not allergic to the mixture. 

Massage it. If you are trying to regrow your hair, consider doing scalp massages. They can increase the blood flow to your scalp and promote hair growth. Do scalp massages a few times a week, especially when you wash your hair. This way, you can do it all in one shot! 

Moisturize it. Who has time for dry scalp and/or dandruff flakes? Me neither! Apply a good moisturizer to your scalp; this can include a conditioner. Your scalp is more prone to dryness, because it is exposed to the elements, especially in the cooler months.

Use Sunscreen. Like your skin, your scalp needs protection from the UV rays of the sun. Before you head outside, apply sunscreen to your scalp to help prevent damage. Another alternative to sunscreen is hats and scarves. This way you can cover your scalp and look stylish doing it! 

Shave it. If you want to keep your hair shaved, there are a few things to remember. Before applying shaving cream or soap, wet your hair and brush it against the direction it grows. Another alternative to shaving cream is hair conditioner. It’s thick, moisturizing, and can help provide a smoother shave. Be sure your razor is not dull or rusty. Shave in the direction the hair grows, and try not to apply too much pressure. 

Wearing a shaven or bald head does require some maintenance, including washing, massaging, moisturizing, protecting, and shaving it, but it will ensure that your scalp is healthy and looks great!

Solutions for Hair Loss

At Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas / Fort Worth, we take pride in being able to offer you both surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions. By introducing new and innovative technologies, we can provide our clients with the widest array of hair loss solutions.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated in the search for answers. At Apollo of Dallas / Fort Worth that frustration ends! We strive not only to solve your hair loss problem, but to provide the most positive, comfortable, and confidential service in the hair replacement industry.

Call us now for a FREE consultation! Get your life back!

The Real Facts About Hair Loss

Hair Loss Myth: Hair loss is inherited from your father.
Fact: Genes from parents are a factor. Androgenetic alopecia is genetically-linked hair thinning.

Hair Loss Myth: Female pattern hair loss causes abnormal bleeding.
Fact: Menstruation is not affected. Hair loss typically begins between the ages of 12 and 40.

Hair Loss Myth: Extensive hormonal evaluation is required.
Fact: Hormonal evaluation is only required if the patient is also experiencing irregular periods, infertility, hirsutism, cystic acne, virilization, or glactorrhea. Androgenetic alopecia usually doesn't cause menstrual issues or interfere with pregnancy or endocrine function.

Hair Loss Myth: Teasing, using hair color, other products, or frequently washing hair increases hair loss.
Fact: Normal hair care doesn't affect hair loss. The only drug approved for promoting hair growth in women is Minoxidil.

Hair Loss Myth: Pluck One Grey Hair And Two Grow Back
Fact: Pulling out grey hairs won't make more grow back.

Hair Loss Myth: Over-Shampooing Can Make You Lose Hair
Fact: Each day 100 to 200 hairs shed and these hair follicles are replaced by other hair follicles entering the growth phase.

Hair Loss Myth: Standing On Your Head Makes Your Hair Grow
Fact: Hair loss is not a blood flow problem, but instead can be caused by other factors like age and genetics.

Hair Loss Myth: There's No Cure For Baldness
Fact: While there is no "miracle cure" there are certainly many treatments like government-approved drugs, laser therapy procedures or hair transplants. Let us help you find the right procedure for you.

Hair Loss Myth: Hats Can Cause Baldness
Fact: Keep your hat on. Hats do not cause hair loss in any way or form. Period.

Hair Loss Myth: You Can Grow Back Dead Follicles
Fact: Medications or laser therapy, for example, can help hair follicles grow thicker and healthier, but once the follicle is dead and gone, the only option for regrowth is a hair transplant.

Hair Loss Myth: Losing hair every day means you're balding
Fact: It's normal to lose as many as 100 hairs a day. But if you are losing more hair than normal then it is advised to consult a dermatologist.

Hair Loss Myth: Smoothening or straightening can cause hair loss
Fact: Hair care products don't cause hair loss. However, if you notice that you are losing too much hair, it is better to go slow on such treatments as it can aggravate hair fall.

Hair Loss Myth: Massaging the scalp can reduce hair loss
Fact: Blood circulation doesn't boost hair growth. Too much brushing is not good for your hair as it may lead to hair breakage, leading to loss of hair.

Hair Loss Myth: Cutting your hair will make it grow back thicker
Fact: Cutting your hair will not help your hair grow, follwoing a haircut your hair feels thicker because hair is thicker at the base.

Hair Loss Myth: Daily use of blow dryers cause thinning hair
Fact: Too much heat from the blow dryer can dry your hair and cause brittleness and breakage. It will not, however, make your hair thinner.

Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas-Fort Worth has been specializing in hair loss solutions for more than 30 years.

Producing a hair system requires expert skill in the design and production, using only the highest quality hair and the most state-of-the-art technology to create the part, hairline and density that allows a woman’s hair to behave just llike her own natural growing hair. Then, it’s up to our exceptionally talented stylists to apply the solution to the client so that it seamlessly blends with their own hair.

The American Academy of Dermatology
The American academy of dermatology is the largest, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,700, it represents virtually all-practicing dermatologists in the United States. While the AAD is not specifically a hair loss organization they do support the furthering of hair loss awareness and have many hair loss experts in their membership.

International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons is a consumer organization that selectively screens skilled and ethical hair transplant surgeons. The IAHRS does not offer an open membership policy to doctors practicing hair transplantation, and is the only group that recognizes that all surgeons are not equal in their skill and technique. Its elite membership seeks to represent the best in the discipline, the true leaders in the field of surgical hair restoration. The IAHRS' goal is to provide a safe place for prospective patients to choose a surgeon based on skill and not on their ability to buy public opinion through advertising. The International Alliance of Hair restoration Surgeons (IAHRS) is the only organization in the world whose membership is limited exclusively to state-of-the-art hair restoration surgeons. The IAHRS is the patient's advocate, the ethical physician's voice, and the standard for the profession.

National Alopecia Areata Foundation
The mission of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) is to support research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, to support those with the disease, and to educate the public about alopecia areata. The mission is accomplished by: Funding research and research workshops that add to the scientific knowledge about alopecia areata, its causes, and different treatments. Providing local support and education for people with alopecia areata and their families informing the public about alopecia areata. Advocating the concerns of people affected alopecia areata. Creating and distributing educational materials to health professionals as well as those affected, so that all may better understand alopecia areata.

Children's Alopecia Project
The goal of the Children's Alopecia Project is to improve upon the lives of children suffering from any form of Alopecia by:

• Funding a children's support group i.e., a place where they can go and feel supported and comfortable discussing their difficulties and coping mechanisms in dealing with their disease.
• Raising money to send children who might not be able to attend the annual conference of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF)
• Donating monies for research on a regular basis
• Promoting public awareness through community based events

The Bald Truth
Airing live from CBS studios in Los Angeles, and heard coast to coast, Spencer Kobren's The Bald Truth is the only radio program that openly deals with the emotional, and societal difficulties faced by men and women suffering with hair loss. Kobren’s weekly on air support group has been nationally syndicated for more than 8 years, bringing to light how emotionally devastating living with hair loss can be in today’s appearance obsessed society. Whether you’re new to hair loss or have been suffering for 20 years, Spencer Kobren’s The Bald Truth is your safe place to learn about effective hair loss products and treatments and to openly share your thoughts, your humor, your hope and your strength with others struggling with this silent epidemic.

Rapunzel Project
The Rapunzel Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping chemotherapy patients keep their hair during treatment. Funds raised by The Rapunzel Project will be used for two related purposes: first, to create awareness that hair loss during chemotherapy can be prevented through the use of specialized cold caps, and second, to purchase specialized freezers, cold caps and related equipment to facilitate this process.

Minoxidil (2% or 5% solution) is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.

Minoxidil is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.Applied topically, minoxidil prolongs the hair's growth phase. It's available over-the-counter in 2 and 5 percent formulas. Only the lower dose is approved for women, but many doctors recommend using the higher dose (though it carries a risk of increased facial hair growth). Massage minoxidil into the scalp twice daily; regrowth should appear in about six months (a three-month supply costs around $50). Minoxidil must be used daily. If you stop using minoxidil, any regrown hair will gradually be lost, and within 6 to 12 months the scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment. Women may have more hair growth if they take minoxidil with estrogen (such as hormone replacement or birth control pills). If you stop treatment, hair density returns to what it would be if you had never used the medicine.

It is unclear how minoxidil affects hair growth. Minoxidil appears to increase hair follicles camera and also thickens the shafts of existing hair so that it grows in thicker. Some people who take minoxidil only grow hair that is thin and wispy or similar to peach fuzz. Minoxidil seems to work best on people younger than 30 years of age who have been losing hair for fewer than 5 years.1. The most common side effects include skin irritation, dandruff, and an itchy scalp. In women, minoxidil may promote facial hair growth, especially on the forehead and cheeks. If you have heart problems, ask your doctor about using this medicine.

When you need a hair replacement or hair restoration therapy in the Dallas Fort Worth area, call Apollo Hair Replacement. We have been DFW’s premier hair replacement provider for more than three decades, and we offer a wide range of effective hair loss therapies for both men and women.

Call us at 1 (800) 339-4247 to set up an appointment with our team or visit us online to learn more about our hair restoration services.

Hair Loss Statistics

Number of U.S. men experiencing hair loss                                          35 Million
Number of U.S. women experiencing hair loss                                     21 Million
Number of hair loss sufferers, seeking professional treatment            811,363
Percent of men who will have noticeable hair loss by age 35              40 %
Percent of men who will have noticeable hair loss by age 60              65 %
Percent of men who will have noticeable hair loss by age 80              70 %
Percent of women who will have noticeable hair loss by age 60         80 %
Average number of hair follicles on the scalp                                      110,000
Average number of hairs lost daily by hair loss sufferers                    100