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A treatment that worked for me
I'm a 42 year old woman and I've had AA for the past 2 years. I've tried all the approved injections and potions with no success and terrible side effects. It started out as one small spot but over a period of 2 weeks I had 7 more. They kept growing and meeting up with one another. They seemed to be having a happy party on my head, meanwhile I was depressed.
I kept annoying my dermatologist until he started doing some research. He found an article in the Journal of American Dermatology for an off label treatment. Hydroxychloroquine (brand name Plaquinil) was successfully used on 2 Alopicia, I believe universal, patients. So I gave it a try. 150 MG once per day. IT WORKED! It is by no means a cure. About one month after stopping treatment my hair started evacuating my head. So I'm back on it.The only side effect I experience is a rash but it's tolerable.
I admit it, I'm vain. I wish I wasn't but I want my hair. I try to convince myself that It's just hair and it could be much worse, but I am not that evolved yet.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Todd on
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I'm not sure $25,000 a year for that drug is worth it. Insurance won't cover it since it's off label and Alopecia is considered a cosmetic problem..... Whoever made that call has never taken a shower without eyelashes!
I tried a bunch of treatments and the only thing I know for sure is that every area I had treated with the XTrac laser (308 nm) has re grown hair. It's thin and white hair, but it has maintained.
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Permalink Reply by willow on
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Some online pharmacies from India have much cheaper prices. All you need is your prescription. That drug is not covered in Canada either, and I agree, it's maddening to be considered a cosmetic issue!
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I'm finding it very interesting that all these drugs also treat arthritis. I have been universalis for 45yrs, and was injured some years back. I suffer with chronic pain, some of which the doc doesn't understand. I know I have arthritis, and had rheumatoid arthritis as a child, when I lost my hair. Now I"m wondering if it's a key to our immune issues that either contribute to alopecia, or alopecia contributes to inflammatory issues. Food for thought :)
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but why are you surprised? Arthritis, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia, Hashimoto's- all the same illnesses with body attacking a tissue. Immune system is activated is either because there is some virus in the body (candida, yeast, other virus) or because of leaky gut and it treats food (gluten, dairy especially) as viruses and attacks. All these diseases are turned off by following Paleo autoimmune protocol for several months - look up their facebook pages, lots of success stories. Unfortunately, so hard to follow - I cannot commit 100%
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yeah I read about that they're also trying other drugs besides xeljanz
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I believe something stopped Yale from continuing their studies.
Months ago, they were waiting on government approval for a topical treatment. However, Dr King (who was trying to organize the new topical study) no longer responds to his emails, at least on this subject.
As my dermatologist tried to tell me, do not get your hopes too high, these remedies pop up all the time. I was just in hopes Yale would come through.
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When I read the Yale study I too was excited, took the article to my dermatologist when I was getting my monthly shots in the head. He said this is nothing new, we've know for 15 years that immune suppressing drugs will grow hair but the risk of cancer and other diseases are too high. All about how much risk you want to take. Funny my last appointment 2 days ago the dermatologist said lets give you a cortisone shot in the arm, sometimes this works by settling down your immune system by getting rid of any inflammation. Still got the 20 or so shots in my head and eyebrows. Dang the eyebrows hurt. Will let everyone know if it works.
I have AA for 3 years and it goes thru phases of rest to total baldness (happened once). I missed 3 months of injections because of vacation, kids school etc and AA is starting to take over. Have some large patches missing, eyebrow gone.
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Permalink Reply by Shinyhead on
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I am 32 and have had AA since the age of 12ish... It was never so bad my hair could not cover the spots. Since I had my son 6 years ago I have literally have went 75% or more bald. I AM SOOO NOT comfortable with my hair loss. So it's okay to be vain, and want your hair back i'm still in that same place. I HATE WEAVE, I HATE WIGS!!! And i suck it up and rock them because LORD knows I'm not ready to be rock a bald head. LOL
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Permalink Reply by Hope on
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Be careful I'm an ophthalmology tech and when someone tells us that they are on this medication we immediately keep a very close watch on the macula of the eye, the most important area of the eye for good central vision. Do some research, but for sure see a specialist to keep a close watch on your eyes every 6mon. now! Good luck and take care.
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Yes I have just read about this drug it has lots of side effects and can promote hair loss as well as effects on sight hope it works out for you x I think I will try the baby aspirin first !
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Thank you! My derm is triple board certified and we read through the literature together. I had a very thorough eye exam and blood work, to establish my baseline, before taking the medication. At low doses there is almost no risk of ocular issues. Even in higher doses, the risk is minimal. Thank you for the concern!
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Anybody using any of these drugs research it, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tofacitinib, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxychloroquine ....there is a warning in regards to low immunity, and not to take any vaccine that has a live virus.
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