Dealing with drug side effects

January 2004     View PDF     En español

Hair loss

Most people experience hair loss as they get older. This is normal and affects some people more than others, especially if baldness runs in the family. Hair loss can be disturbing nonetheless and can damage one’s self-confidence.

Sudden or abnormal hair loss can result from taking certain medications (like some used to treat HIV, cancer, circulatory disorders, ulcers or arthritis).

Tips for hair loss

• To protect your hair from further damage and loss: avoid or decrease damaging hair care practices or use them infrequently. These include dyeing, perming, straightening, braiding, corn-rowing, using hair dryers, etc.
• Don’t be fooled by fraudulent claims for products that promise to cure baldness. They do not exist! The only remedy that comes close is the medication Rogaine, available over-the-counter. It has shown promising results for some (but not many) cases of baldness.
• Stress can make hair loss worse, so taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety often help.