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Off the Xelganz
I have been taking Xelganz for about a year just this month my insurance approved my coverage. It has worked great on hair regrowth all over my face and body (except for male pattern baldness). The issue I have had with this drug is the numerous upper respiratory infections and chronic coughs. I also have many dysplastic nevus on my back and upper abdomen which puts me at higher risk for skin cancers.
My dilemma is I have a two year old beautiful baby girl. I love the way this drug has grown my eyebrows and some lashes back but I fear the risk factor involved with depression of my immune system. Do I give into vanity and take this drug or do I put my long term health above the risk? As of now I have stopped the Xelganz. I have concluded that my daughter needs a father more than I need two two-inch strips of hair above my eyes. I fear losing my brows and will continue my steroid injections for now.
What are your opinions on this subject? Is the drug worth or not worth the risk? I greatly appreciate all of your thoughts.
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Comment by Alo-mom on September 13, 2017 at 1:32pm
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You bring up a very important issue, risk vs. reward. Yesterday the FDA listened to many voices of those with alopecia in Maryland. As the move forward to approving drugs this process has become part of the analysis. NAAF most likely will have this 4 hour meeting that took place. Many told the FDA panel that having taken this drug and grown hair, especially eyebrows and lashes they have their life back. To others they struggle with how much hair is really worth. My daughter has been on the medication for a year and her blood is tested routinely. She is pleased with the growth. This is something everyone had to decide for themselves as with all medication their are risks.
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Comment by leah on September 13, 2017 at 1:49pm
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Thanks for sharing Brian. I can't speak for you but when I took meds that were hard on my liver and had grandma die of liver cancer I had to stop. I feel like it would be really hard if I better results with drugs too, but am sensitive and have other health issues. Plus all the extra expense, I realized better acceptance and save up for tattoos. I wish you the best and good health. Cute picture of you and your daughter
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PS I did microblading and really happy with the results. Have a friend who uses water proof liner on her husband when he like to have brows (he has alocpeia too) and says no one notices.
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Comment by AloPapa on September 13, 2017 at 2:38pm
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Who are you trying to impress at this point? Xelganz is a crazy dangerous drug for the non life threatening illness of hair loss. You’ll get better outcomes with healthy eating, living and relaxed life style anyway.
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what has your doctor said?
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Comment by Shannon on September 13, 2017 at 10:33pm
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Dear Brian,
I know how difficult that it can be to lose even our eyebrows and eyelashes. I am sorry you're going through that and having to make the difficult choices about medication. Probably when you look back one day you will actually think, "I can't believe I was willing to risk my health like that for my hair." But I know how you are feeling right now and I also put my health at risk for a time to try to save my hair. It took me many years to get my health back and even though I have no hair, my life is very happy and full!
I purposefully changed my profile photo to this one of me with my father. I am one of 11 children and the only one his children to inherit his alopecia. It created a very special bond between us. He was an amazing father. I lost him last year at the age of 85 and even at that age, it was too soon. I hope that when days are hard you will think about your daughter. My father meant and means so very much to me. I hope you will think about your little one when you make the decisions about your health. She needs her Daddy! Even at 43 years old, married and with 5 wonderful children--I miss my Daddy something fierce and I'm so grateful that when he was losing his hair in his mid-30s that he gave up quite early on the experimental drugs they wanted to give him because he knew he needed to be around for his children. I am so so grateful he made that decision. Sorry for the rambling. God bless and good luck.
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Comment by Rascalx2 on September 14, 2017 at 9:59am
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What health risks/meds did you attempt that caused your health to decline ?
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Comment by Dr. Hina on September 15, 2017 at 11:15am
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Hello, It's a wise decision to discontinue such hazardous Medicine. Life is precious. I can suggest you to start a customized Naturopathic oil for regrowth of eyebrows . I can provide you details if interested.
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What Doctor are you?
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Dr Hina sounds like a naturopath or chiropractor... at least those oils aren’t dangerous, assuming you believe the unregulated herbal ingredients list.
In any case, thanks for sharing your beautiful story Shanon, please take heed Brian.
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