Author Topic: Truvada/Atripla and hair loss (Read 15195 times)

stlfan · « **on:** March 19, 2009, 01:17:21 pm »

I tested positive and started meds (Truvada/Stocrin) two weeks ago. From what I've read, hair loss is a very rare side effect. Unfortunately it's the only one i've experienced on Truvada (so I should be thankful)...but it's driving me crazy. My hair is falling out at an alarming rate and I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how it progressed. Will I need to change meds to stop the hair loss? OR if i continue on Truvada, will it fall out and then eventually grow back as my body acclimates to the drugs? My doctor here in the Developing World knows nothing.

Thanks for any comments, suggestions...It's been a rough couple weeks.

freaky_dream · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2009, 06:16:02 pm »

You should see your doctor and or dermatologist. The hair loss could be indicative of other diseases such as syphilis, underlying auto immune disorder, nutritional deficiency, or it could be just stressed induced.

stlfan · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2009, 07:03:53 pm »

Thanks for your input. i know it's not syphillis as per blood test. And unfortunately my doctor here in mexico doesn't have any idea. I've read on the Net (the world's most trusted source hahaha) and also here that others have had this problem with Truvada. Granted, I should just be grateful that i've had no other effectos. A dermatologist told me it could be due to the dry skin caused by the drug or by the acute hiv infections i had.

freaky_dream · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2009, 07:29:44 pm »

Then the only way to find out definitively is to get a scalp biopsy and have a pathologist rule out the cause or switch your regimen. A scalp biopsy can costs a few hundred dollars here in the United States. Some people get telogen effluvium(sudden loss of hair) a few months after converting. It should grow back in a few months.

clsoca · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2009, 07:58:24 am »

I had this happen to me too. I was not loosing my hair, it stopped growing or grew at a slower rate. My Doc called it "resting hair." He said anytime your body is shocked in some way, some people will experience temporary hair growth slowdowns. He said in most instances it happens to people who undergo major surgery's or have had major accidents. He said when I went on Atripla (and I have never been on medication before), my body could have experenced a shock causing a slowdown in my hair growth. He said there has been no research on the connection but he did say my hair growth will resume in 3-6 months. I have not had to cut my hair for two months now, and it is still very short but intact. Hopes this helps.

ntouche · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2009, 10:42:15 am »

I am new here and I am trying to find some information, but need help. I was just told that I have to start medication and I found out that Atripla cost $1,695/month and my health ins. pays nothing. Where can I get help, my dr is an ass and makes me feel like trash.

freaky_dream · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2009, 01:38:14 pm »

If you are in the United States then you would most likely qualify for ADAP since your insurance doesn't cover Atripla. Also you might want to find an ID who specializes in HIV care. Find a local ASO to help you fill out the paperwork and locate a new doctor. This website has a searchable directory of ASO(aids service organizations) .

stlfan · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2009, 12:17:05 pm »

thanks for the information clsoca

decayingsinner · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2009, 11:45:59 pm »

if hair loss was a side affect, I would consider anything other than my truvada/sustiva. I'm 29, still showing no signs of hair loss

newhorizon80 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2009, 11:24:50 pm »

Quote from: ntouche on March 21, 2009, 10:42:15 am

, my dr is an ass and makes me feel like trash.

I don't mean to sidebar, but if this is the case, you need to look into finding a new doctor!! Don't take the abuse.

texasangel071184 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2009, 12:50:58 pm »

hi angel

i just started atripla 5 week ago, i got the weird dreams there fun lol of course i had weird dream before hand there just more vived now. I also get the dizzyness, and the angry moments otherwise i think i am ok.
I do have a question though hasa anyone elses had the hair fade when on atripla the reason i ask is my hair was naturally black nad has faded to a dark brown shortly after starting the meds?

also the lots of good advices on here.

Imnew2this · « **Reply #11 on:** April 18, 2009, 02:06:48 pm »

Interestingly, my hair has gotten MUCH darker on Atripla. Everyone asks if I'm dyeing it. Not a big deal to me, just interesting... $:-\$

newchapter · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:01:14 pm »

I started on Atripla and found that my body could not handle the side effects of the Sustiva. The mood swings and depression were too much!!! Now I'm on Truvada and Viramune and doing great!

In the last year I have noticed thinning hair!! I've always had thick, wavey hair but now it's thinnig rapidly on top! No one seems to be able to connect hair loss to meds but it's clear that it's common with those on HIV meds.

stlfan · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2009, 07:52:45 pm »

Well, thanks for the information everyone, but i went to a dermatologist in houston who put me on this wicked smelling shampoo and it seems to have helped. she said my scalp had gotten really scaly for some reason, perhaps as a response to the medicine, but she wasn't sure. meanwhile, it's at least stopped falling out, but with about 50 percent coverage.

Flitalian33 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2010, 09:20:08 am »

I started Atripla and on my 13 day. It been during that time period I notice mass hair loss. i find my scalp is very itchy. I newly dx only been 3 weeks. All this is very new. I wanted to know If it was more the HIV then the meds.
It seem like from what I read hear that I need to see my doctor. should I see a my dermatologist, infectious disease or my PCP. It cheaper for me to see my PCP.

I have a very thick curly hair and find it interesting it started fall out during the time period I started the med. I was shocked to fine out when I was tested positive that I had such a high viral load and a low count of 232. I trying not to stress out over, since it just hair, but find very upsetting.

Inchlingblue · « **Reply #15 on:** May 31, 2010, 03:32:04 pm »

Low thyroid can lead to dry hair and also hair loss. You should make sure your thyroid levels are within normal range so you can rule that out.

Quote from: ntouche on March 21, 2009, 10:42:15 am

I am new here and I am trying to find some information, but need help. I was just told that I have to start medication and I found out that Atripla cost $1,695/month and my health ins. pays nothing. Where can I get help, my dr is an ass and makes me feel like trash.

Chances are you can qualify for ADAP (hopefully you are not in one of the states that has a waiting list), as someone else has already mentioned. You should probably start your own thread so you can receive more replies and advice.

The website below lists HIV doctors, you can do a search for those in your area:

www.aahivm.org

It's possible you may not need meds yet depending on your numbers and how long you've had HIV.

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Author Topic: Truvada/Atripla and hair loss (Read 15195 times)