Re: Need Your Help!!!! Hair loss on Lexapro and/or Tasigna HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

Dear Barbara,

I am on 600 mg of Tasigna March will be two years. I started taking 400mg

and about 3 weeks of going to 600 my hair started falling out.. I too have

or had a thick head of hair and I was so upset.!!! BUT—good news---it is

growing back. I can see a lot of new hair coming in. I did not lose it in

patches at all—it just thinned out all over and I could see when I washed my

hair about 50 hairs would come out. This is the only medication I take. So

it has to be the Tasigna. But it is the only side effect I have so I

really should not complain. I tried going on Nioxin shampoo, and

conditioner and treatments—I even took the Nioxin pill. I did not see a

difference. But now it is coming in again.. so I think the trick is to be

patient.

I thought I read some where tht hair loss was a side effect. And it stands

to reason because these pills are a form of chemo. A mild form but a form.

You are not alone.

Love

Sharon T

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Barbara Heathcote

Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 6:35 PM

Subject: [ ] Need Your Help!!!! Hair loss on Lexapro and/or Tasigna

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need some help - especially from my dear friends on Tasigna. As most of

you know, I switched from 800 mg of Gleevec in July to Tasigna. After

being monitored with several ekgs - it was determined that I had

" borderline " QT prolongation " - (a heart arrhythmia that is known to

occasionally - but mostly rarely - on Tasigna). I had been on Prozac for

MANY years but I was switched to Lexapro in late September as they felt that

the Prozac might even further prolong the QT heart interval.

Anyway - I am flabbergasted as I have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of hair on

the crown of my head. You can see right through to my scalp. It happened

quickly. I have a very very thick head of hair so this is a real shock.

I've researched Lexapro as I think that might be the culprit. (I've

stopped taking the Lexapro). While the literature from the drug company

doesn't mention hair loss, some community forums talk about hair loss.

My pharmacist said he is not aware of hair loss from Lexapro. But I am not

so sure. Anyone have experience with this? I am devastated but feel so

guilty about this as I know things could be much worse and it's only hair.

Tasigna doesn't mention hair loss either. I even called Novartis and they

said they have nothing " in their databases " indicating any issues and took a

report of this side effect from me.

Does anyone have ANY experience with hair loss on Tasigna or Lexapro?

Did it grow back? Any other thoughts?

PS - When I was on Interferon I lost some hair but NOTHING like this. I

started using the salon product Nioxin and had incredible results with it

over the course of about three months (the hair cleanser and the scalp

therapy). Some of you may remember me touting the product. (I have no

personal investment in the product but it is good!) I ran out and bought

some this past weekend.

ANY thoughts from any of you would be soooo appreciated. I would feel so

much better is someone can share their experience if any of you have

experienced hair loss from Lexapro or Tasigna.

Hugs and love - and sending Christmas Blessings (and Holiday blessings to

all of you around the world!)

Barb Heathcote

Most sincerely,

Barbara Heathcote

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara,

Have you investigated other possible causes for the hair loss? B12 deficiency

as well as hypothyroidism can both cause hair to fall out.

Hope you find some improvement soon,

Take care,

Tracey

>

> I need some help - especially from my dear friends on Tasigna. As most of

> you know, I switched from 800 mg of Gleevec in July to Tasigna. After

> being monitored with several ekgs - it was determined that I had

> " borderline " QT prolongation " - (a heart arrhythmia that is known to

> occasionally - but mostly rarely - on Tasigna). I had been on Prozac for

> MANY years but I was switched to Lexapro in late September as they felt that

> the Prozac might even further prolong the QT heart interval.

>

> Anyway - I am flabbergasted as I have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of hair on

> the crown of my head. You can see right through to my scalp. It happened

> quickly. I have a very very thick head of hair so this is a real shock.

> I've researched Lexapro as I think that might be the culprit. (I've

> stopped taking the Lexapro). While the literature from the drug company

> doesn't mention hair loss, some community forums talk about hair loss.

> My pharmacist said he is not aware of hair loss from Lexapro. But I am not

> so sure. Anyone have experience with this? I am devastated but feel so

> guilty about this as I know things could be much worse and it's only hair.

>

> Tasigna doesn't mention hair loss either. I even called Novartis and they

> said they have nothing " in their databases " indicating any issues and took a

> report of this side effect from me.

>

> Does anyone have ANY experience with hair loss on Tasigna or Lexapro?

> Did it grow back? Any other thoughts?

>

> PS - When I was on Interferon I lost some hair but NOTHING like this. I

> started using the salon product Nioxin and had incredible results with it

> over the course of about three months (the hair cleanser and the scalp

> therapy). Some of you may remember me touting the product. (I have no

> personal investment in the product but it is good!) I ran out and bought

> some this past weekend.

>

> ANY thoughts from any of you would be soooo appreciated. I would feel so

> much better is someone can share their experience if any of you have

> experienced hair loss from Lexapro or Tasigna.

>

> Hugs and love - and sending Christmas Blessings (and Holiday blessings to

> all of you around the world!)

>

> Barb Heathcote

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Most sincerely,

>

> Barbara Heathcote

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara:  I really have no answer for you.  I did lose some hair well on

Interferon, and a little came out when I was just starting Gleevec, but I am

still on Gleevec and no more hair has fallen out.

     Could it be the combination of the Lexapro and Tasigna together.  You

said you stopped the Lexapro.  Maybe you can stay off of any of these anxiety

medications until you see how your hair is with just Tasigna.

     I was on Zoloft since my diagnosis, and I weaned myself off of it a few

months ago.  I told my doctor that I stopped it, and I do not want anything

else.  Thank God I am doing good without any type of anti-depressant so far. 

     I hope you get to the bottom of this.  Sometimes nerves can make you

lose your hair too.  I hope somebody has some answers for you.

    Have a Great Holiday and try to relax.

From: Barbara Heathcote <bheath@...>

Subject: [ ] Need Your Help!!!! Hair loss on Lexapro and/or Tasigna

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 9:34 PM

 

I need some help - especially from my dear friends on Tasigna. As most of

you know, I switched from 800 mg of Gleevec in July to Tasigna. After

being monitored with several ekgs - it was determined that I had

" borderline " QT prolongation " - (a heart arrhythmia that is known to

occasionally - but mostly rarely - on Tasigna). I had been on Prozac for

MANY years but I was switched to Lexapro in late September as they felt that

the Prozac might even further prolong the QT heart interval.

Anyway - I am flabbergasted as I have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of hair on

the crown of my head. You can see right through to my scalp. It happened

quickly. I have a very very thick head of hair so this is a real shock.

I've researched Lexapro as I think that might be the culprit. (I've

stopped taking the Lexapro). While the literature from the drug company

doesn't mention hair loss, some community forums talk about hair loss.

My pharmacist said he is not aware of hair loss from Lexapro. But I am not

so sure. Anyone have experience with this? I am devastated but feel so

guilty about this as I know things could be much worse and it's only hair.

Tasigna doesn't mention hair loss either. I even called Novartis and they

said they have nothing " in their databases " indicating any issues and took a

report of this side effect from me.

Does anyone have ANY experience with hair loss on Tasigna or Lexapro?

Did it grow back? Any other thoughts?

PS - When I was on Interferon I lost some hair but NOTHING like this. I

started using the salon product Nioxin and had incredible results with it

over the course of about three months (the hair cleanser and the scalp

therapy). Some of you may remember me touting the product. (I have no

personal investment in the product but it is good!) I ran out and bought

some this past weekend.

ANY thoughts from any of you would be soooo appreciated. I would feel so

much better is someone can share their experience if any of you have

experienced hair loss from Lexapro or Tasigna.

Hugs and love - and sending Christmas Blessings (and Holiday blessings to

all of you around the world!)

Barb Heathcote

Most sincerely,

Barbara Heathcote

[Guest guest]

Barb:

In my first six weeks on Tasigna

I lost a little bit of hair that came

out in my brush. However it stopped

as my body got used to the drug.

Matt

Florida

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 22, 2009, at 9:34 PM, " Barbara Heathcote " <bheath@...>

wrote:

> I need some help - especially from my dear friends on Tasigna. As

> most of

> you know, I switched from 800 mg of Gleevec in July to Tasigna. After

> being monitored with several ekgs - it was determined that I had

> " borderline " QT prolongation " - (a heart arrhythmia that is known to

> occasionally - but mostly rarely - on Tasigna). I had been on Prozac

> for

> MANY years but I was switched to Lexapro in late September as they

> felt that

> the Prozac might even further prolong the QT heart interval.

>

> Anyway - I am flabbergasted as I have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of

> hair on

> the crown of my head. You can see right through to my scalp. It

> happened

> quickly. I have a very very thick head of hair so this is a real

> shock.

> I've researched Lexapro as I think that might be the culprit. (I've

> stopped taking the Lexapro). While the literature from the drug

> company

> doesn't mention hair loss, some community forums talk about hair loss.

> My pharmacist said he is not aware of hair loss from Lexapro. But I

> am not

> so sure. Anyone have experience with this? I am devastated but feel so

> guilty about this as I know things could be much worse and it's only

> hair.

>

> Tasigna doesn't mention hair loss either. I even called Novartis and

> they

> said they have nothing " in their databases " indicating any issues

> and took a

> report of this side effect from me.

>

> Does anyone have ANY experience with hair loss on Tasigna or Lexapro?

> Did it grow back? Any other thoughts?

>

> PS - When I was on Interferon I lost some hair but NOTHING like

> this. I

> started using the salon product Nioxin and had incredible results

> with it

> over the course of about three months (the hair cleanser and the scalp

> therapy). Some of you may remember me touting the product. (I have no

> personal investment in the product but it is good!) I ran out and

> bought

> some this past weekend.

>

> ANY thoughts from any of you would be soooo appreciated. I would

> feel so

> much better is someone can share their experience if any of you have

> experienced hair loss from Lexapro or Tasigna.

>

> Hugs and love - and sending Christmas Blessings (and Holiday

> blessings to

> all of you around the world!)

>

> Barb Heathcote

>

> Most sincerely,

>

> Barbara Heathcote

>

>

[Guest guest]

I tried Nioxin shampoo and cream rinse without much change!!  I switched to

Nioxin Vitamins and my hair quit falling out.  The down side,. . . I need to

have my eyebrows and lip waxed like every 3 weeks or I look like " Herman

Munster " with the unibrow and a mustache!!!

Blessings,

Jo-Dee

From: Barbara Heathcote <bheath@...>

Subject: [ ] Need Your Help!!!! Hair loss on Lexapro and/or Tasigna

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 2:34 AM

 

I need some help - especially from my dear friends on Tasigna. As most

of

you know, I switched from 800 mg of Gleevec in July to Tasigna. After

being monitored with several ekgs - it was determined that I had

" borderline " QT prolongation " - (a heart arrhythmia that is known to

occasionally - but mostly rarely - on Tasigna). I had been on Prozac for

MANY years but I was switched to Lexapro in late September as they felt that

the Prozac might even further prolong the QT heart interval.

Anyway - I am flabbergasted as I have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of hair on

the crown of my head. You can see right through to my scalp. It happened

quickly. I have a very very thick head of hair so this is a real shock.

I've researched Lexapro as I think that might be the culprit. (I've

stopped taking the Lexapro). While the literature from the drug company

doesn't mention hair loss, some community forums talk about hair loss.

My pharmacist said he is not aware of hair loss from Lexapro. But I am not

so sure. Anyone have experience with this? I am devastated but feel so

guilty about this as I know things could be much worse and it's only hair.

Tasigna doesn't mention hair loss either. I even called Novartis and they

said they have nothing " in their databases " indicating any issues and took a

report of this side effect from me.

Does anyone have ANY experience with hair loss on Tasigna or Lexapro?

Did it grow back? Any other thoughts?

PS - When I was on Interferon I lost some hair but NOTHING like this. I

started using the salon product Nioxin and had incredible results with it

over the course of about three months (the hair cleanser and the scalp

therapy). Some of you may remember me touting the product. (I have no

personal investment in the product but it is good!) I ran out and bought

some this past weekend.

ANY thoughts from any of you would be soooo appreciated. I would feel so

much better is someone can share their experience if any of you have

experienced hair loss from Lexapro or Tasigna.

Hugs and love - and sending Christmas Blessings (and Holiday blessings to

all of you around the world!)

Barb Heathcote

Most sincerely,

Barbara Heathcote

[Guest guest]

>

> Anyway - I am flabbergasted as I have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of hair on

> the crown of my head. You can see right through to my scalp.

_____________________

Hi Barb,

In my 11 year hx of CML, my hair situation has been variable (I am not on

Tasigna). It was thin on interferon....then on Gleevec, it varied and my

hair-guy cuts it according to where it is thin, etc.

I have always kept Nioxin products on hand and rotate them with other things.

Here is another product that can stimulate hair follicles to get new hairs

growing.....read about emu oil. You can order off the internet. Where my hair

was thin in the front (looked like a receeding hairline) I would use the emu oil

and the little hairs would start to grow, and my hair-guy would comment on all

the new hair coming in.

C.