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Hair loss after transplant, probably Tacrolimus: Anyone change meds?
In the beginning, my hair loss seemed minimal and I took Biotin supplements. Now, approaching my 2nd anniversary for my kidney transplant, my hair is coming out in gobs. I believe it's probably the Tacronlimis. If you had this problem, what did you do to solve it? Rogaine for Women, Hairmax laser comb, change your medication, or something else? Please let me know your experience (I think I am going bald).
Many thanks!
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I too am suffering with severe hair loss and am 3 months post liver transplant . I've probably lost 2/3 of my hair over the past month and it's still shedding .I'm with you in thinking I'm going to be bald too.
Did your doctors prepare you to the fact that this could happen?
I don't know the fix but im about to try a growth serum you put on your scalp which is supposed to encourage new growth. I'll give it some time and let you know how it goes.
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2 Reactions@theaelizabeth
Good Morning, Elizabeth, and welcome to Mayo Connect! I also extend "Congratulations" for your recent liver transplant and your ongoing recovery.
I am also a transplant recipient, and my hair was also thinning after my transplant. In fact, so did my nails become brittle ugly.
That was 17 years ago, and I remember the frightening feeling that accompanied my hair loss, as I was not expecting it.
Elizabeth, Please be patient, and do not use any chemical or treatment without consulting with your transplant team. Our post transplant bodies are in recovery from a very complex surgery, plus we are on very strong medications. So, in the meantime, be gentle with your hair, use gentle hair products and skip that perm or coloring for a while.
I was fortunate to have a hairdresser who is certified to assist cancer patients with their hair losses. She recommended a shampoo and a conditioner that she has recommended for her cancer clients. In addition, my dermatologist suggested taking Biotin, which my transplant approved. I actually began to feel 'good' about my hair after 8-9 months.
Elizabeth, other than hair loss, How are you coming along? ?
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3 Reactions@theaelizabeth
Hi, It's me again.
Here is another discussion with members sharing their hair loss experiences: After transplant I have hair loss due to meds: Will it come back? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-transplant-hair-loss/
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1 ReactionHi there! @rachel5239
I experienced hair loss with pograf. The hair loss was quite significant. I asked to be switched to the tacrolimus and it is less significant now. I use Rogaine foam for women . The generic Rogaine does not work as fast or as well. It helps to keep what I have. I use it every day. When I first experienced the hair loss early on, I bought hair toppers (wigs for top only) from amazon. I began wearing these mostly until I had enough hair of my own to cover. It has not grown in much since I started the treatment late, but it works great. I am also on a very low dose of Imuran and do not have hair loss with it. Hope this helps. I stopped the prograf.
Josie
@jlferro1
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2 Reactions@jennifer0726 Hi hon. my dermatologist informed me that Biotin does not promote hair growth. Rogaine for Women does. hope this helps
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2 Reactions@hello1234 I am 30 years post kidney transplant. I started using tacrolimus approximately 10 years ago. I am on 3 per day. 1 in the morning and 2 at night. Just start using Rogaine for Women and not the generic. It works very well to maintain what you have.
Good Luck!
@jennifer0726 I forgot to mention that tacrolimus and prograf are both chemo drugs, such are the side effects of hair loss.
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1 Reaction@hello1234 here is a tip told to me by my dermatologist: Pluck a strand of hair from your scalp. If you see a ball at the end of the hair, it will grow back. It not, it will not grow back. If male pattern baldness runs in your family, then hair loss will occur in your older year. (50 and up). Hope this helps.
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1 Reaction@jlferro1
Thanks for the input! I am now 5.5 years post transplant, and I have experienced hair loss and improvement three times post surgery since my TX. Most recently I had my left hip replaced end of March at Mayo, and I was back to dropping hair again. I think it is the anesthesia and trauma from surgery that does it for me. Eventually, it comes back, maybe not like when I was much younger, but to my new normal. About a month ago they upped my Tac from 2 in the morning to taking 3 in the morning and still 2 in evening. Trough is 5-7, and I dipped below 5. It is a lifelong thing keeping it all stable.
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2 Reactions@jlferro1
Good morning! It's a pleasure to meet you. Congratulations on your 30 years post transplant milestone. That's so awesome. Was your donor a relative?
Also, thank you so much for all your tips on how to handle Tacrolimis and hair loss. It sounds like you were able to find an excellent dermatologist that gives very helpful advice!
Has your 30 years as a kidney transplant been a pretty smooth ride for you?
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