Medication and hair loss

[QueenCaroline]

I am due to start an immunosuppressant medication that can have hair loss as a side effect. Is there anything I can do to minimise or pre empt this?

[Dr Anjali Mahto]

Many thanks for posting a question.

Many medications can potentially cause hair loss as a side effect and this can be extremely tricky to manage. Without knowing your full medical history and why you are taking immunosuppression also makes it difficult to give you tailored advice.

However, simple things like following a healthy diet and lifestyle can certainly help in situations such as this. Ensure your diet is inclusive and in particular take care to ensure you are not falling deficient in nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and folic acid. Lack of these agents can have a role in hair loss.

If you have concerns, my best advice would be to discuss with your concerns with your prescribing doctor as they will be able to advise based on knowledge of you as an individual.

Best of luck,

Anjali