Humira and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• gho...
• December 12, 2010

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Humira now for about 10 years. First started as study patient and still continue to take it. It has been great. Recently, the cost has been the biggest concern. I have tried to take injections a month at a time rather than two weeks. I do not suggest this. Three weeks at a time seem to work great for me. After that, the pain starts to return. I am currently researching other medicines so I can stop taking this. The cost is just too high for me. Currently, the only long-term effects I have noticed are shortness of breath, hair loss, occasional dizziness, and fatigue/insomnia. I hope this review helps."

• Sic...
• September 17, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was put on Humira on June 10, 2015, for severe to moderate ulcerative colitis. I, in total, received 7 injections (including the four injections and then two injections at once for the startup). On July 5, I woke up with severe stiffness and pain throughout my entire body. I called my doctor and was advised to drink a lot of water and take a couple of Tylenol. I didn't listen and googled my symptoms. After testing with another doctor, I was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus. In addition to this, I lost about 35-40% of my hair, developed psoriasis all over my face, legs, and chest, and developed pins and needles feelings in both feet and legs. Take this med ONLY when you are willing to suffer these side effects because they can/do happen."

• joe...
• January 3, 2012

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I feel like I have so much energy when I have my shots, morning stiffness and aches in my upper and lower back seem so much better. Only downside is the worry about the more serious side effects and the hair loss!"

• Hum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 21, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was on Humira for 12 months before being hospitalized with a serious opportunistic infection caused by Humira. At the same time, I developed 3 types of psoriasis, which a dermatologist has confirmed in writing is a paradoxical medical condition caused by Humira. As a result, I have lost 50 percent of my hair, as the scalp psoriasis is so bad. It is also difficult to walk due to severe pustular psoriasis on the soles of my feet. I am a 48-year-old female, and this drug has been devastating for me. Please think very carefully before taking this awful drug, as the potential side effects are horrific."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

For Crohn's Disease "I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease about four years ago now. I was started on Humira about 5 months ago following a bowel obstruction. Although my Crohn's symptoms have greatly diminished, I have been noticing a lot of side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss, sore and swollen joints, and a lot of nausea. With the Crohn's, I was in pain, but felt like myself. On the Humira, I’m in significantly less pain, but don’t feel like myself. I guess it’s a bit of a give and take."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2016

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I am 18 now, and I was 5 when I had started having symptoms of Crohn's disease, and finally, after 8 months of suffering, they finally tested me and diagnosed me. I'm going to make this short, Crohn's has been hell for me. I was finally put on Remicade. It put me in remission for three years until I started to have a reaction to the medication, and I was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus. A couple of months ago, I was admitted into the hospital and later was put on Humira. A little skeptical, but I had no choice. I can tell it has helped, but it does cause major hair loss in some patients, as I am dealing with right now. My hair has never been in the best condition because of the medication, but so far, the medication has really improved my health."

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2018

For Crohn's Disease "I have been diagnosed with Crohn's since 2012 but had the symptoms from childhood, just never looked into it until it was affecting my job and daily life. I tried many drugs just to get side effects and no relief, but Humira was by far the worst ever. I developed HPV and had to have my cervix cauterized, and psoriasis so bad my hair was falling out in clumps and pustules on my feet and hands that itched and hurt so bad, and my tattoos were just red globs. My appearance was so bad, and I felt so horrible I seriously considered suicide. I stopped the Humira ASAP and took oregano oil, and it cleared up the psoriasis immediately, and I detoxed with charcoal and bentonite clay. I haven't taken any prescription drugs since. My doctor is pushing another biologic, Stelara, I fear for my life. My doctor is trying to kill me. I have far worse side effects than any pain my Crohn's gives me. Apple cider vinegar does wonders for me also, mixed with honey and hot water and lemon."

• Ash...
• May 5, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Using for about a year, a fight to get it due to the cost. It's swings and roundabouts, and at least I can work now, but think I have become more argumentative. I think if I were a bit older, I would not take it. Anyone looking to take it, don't let anyone put you off, it's different for everyone. P.S. When my consultant said one of the side effects was hair loss, I think she was joking with me because the last time I had a haircut was in the '90s!"

• pa2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

For Crohn's Disease "This drug not only did not help reduce any symptoms of my Crohn's disease, but it also caused severe issues. Though I maintained a healthy diet and stayed moderately active, I gained 15 pounds in a short amount of time on this drug. I also experienced hair loss. The most serious issue, however, is that I contracted multiple infections while on this drug. The first was a sinus infection that lasted more than two weeks. After this was over, my doctor advised me to resume the Humira, and shortly afterwards, I ended up with severe sepsis that, according to several of the doctors in the hospital, probably would not have happened had I not been on Humira. I would never recommend this drug to anyone. It's not worth risking your life."

• Kem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2020

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have been suffering from ulcerative colitis for 15 years. I used to survive mild cases at the age of 60. There are very long attacks now, remissions have decreased. When the cortisone was insufficient, I started the Humira treatment. I started to improve after 9 weeks. Now I am in good condition, there is no toileting problem. Occasionally muscle pains and one there was some hair loss, but it is gradually decreasing. The 3-month treatment is about to end. The doctor said, 'Humira' should continue every 15 days. I am happy for this period."

• Put...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 12, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Humira was a life saver for 7 months for my psoriatic arthritis. Then everything changed and the adverse reactions began—drug-induced lupus causing massive hair loss from scalp lesions, skin rash, mouth ulcers and thrush, and fatigue like I never knew with PSA. I’ve never had this much hair loss, but then no other drug ever hit with such velocity before. I had fine hair but lots of it, so the loss was just visible in the shower and on the floor at first. But it’s relentless and unending until the bald spots are unmistakable to me and others around me. It’s been 4 months since I stopped this stuff and my histone antibody for drug-induced lupus is still positive. This drug is horrible and I wish I’d never allowed the start of it. It’s like something that is dormant laying in wait to attack. And when it does, it’s devastating."

• hco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2016

For Psoriasis "Not really sure how to rate this. I have plaque psoriasis. My doctor prescribed me Humira. After my first two starter doses, I started to notice some hair loss. Then I took my first single dose. I noticed even more hair loss. When I washed my hair, it was coming out in clumps. The drain was full of hair. So, I stopped Humira and had to switch to another medication. Not sure if this medication would have worked or not. Wasn't able to use it long enough."

• Mis...
• January 15, 2016

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "This seems to have kept my Crohn's under control for periods at a time. But I realize, especially after reviewing others' experiences, that I have developed psoriasis due to the Humira. It is so bad now all over my scalp, I have a lot of hair loss. It's all about weighing things up, I know, but now my skin is reacting to my ileostomy bag. I have no choice but to stop it. My skin reacts to anything. What a shame. It seems this drug suits many people, but also completely doesn't work for many others."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2018

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I have had Crohn's for 45 years. I have been on nearly every drug and had 8 surgeries. Fortunately, I have only lost about 3 inches of intestines. I have been on Humira for about 2.5 months now and under a tremendous amount of stress. I am just beginning to feel some relief, however, some bowel concerns. Generally, we may actually be on the right track for the first time in years. My question is: Has anyone else had a problem with hair falling out, not in clumps but a lot when I brush or comb it? Mine is getting so thin I am beginning to worry and don't know what to do. I don't want to be bald. I also am a client of Abbvie and would not have this opportunity without them. Thank you very much. Someone please help."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2019

For Crohn's Disease "I started Humira in October of 2019 for Crohn's disease. By December 15th, 2019, I had to stop using it because of the side effects. I had swollen, red legs with a rash, restless legs syndrome, the feeling of ants under my skin throughout my entire body, rashes that became raw and very sore, a very strong, foul body odor that would not go away with showers or deodorants, gums started to bleed and teeth became sensitive, my hair started falling out in big clumps, food had a nasty taste, constantly tired, and my vision started getting blurry. My family said I was turning into a monster."

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2019

For Crohn's Disease, Active "My hair was falling out soon after the Humira injections, and I had frequent nosebleeds. My Dr. changed to Remicade, and no more hair loss. I have Crohn's in remission, but this new med has helped my back problem more than anything. No Humira for me!!!!"

• Chr...
• January 18, 2019

For Crohn's Disease, Active "I was put on Humira in June 2018 during a two-week-long hospitalization for a serious Crohn's flare. Oral and IV prednisone/solu medrol weren't working to stop the flare (bleeding, 30+ trips daily to defecate mostly blood, severe weight loss, anemia, inability to hold food/liquids, pain, muscle atrophy, etc.), so Humira was introduced. Initially, I had SEVERE hair loss - clumps in my hands when I brushed/washed - that could also have been exacerbated by stopping corticosteroids. Seemingly put me into mostly symptomatic remission and has worked for 7 months without any major issues. I've had one cold virus, which wasn't any worse than usual. Seemed to also heavily dry my skin. Leading up to my biweekly injections and shortly after, I experience sharp pains in my feet. I've also developed moderate arthritis, which can be a symptom of Crohn's. So far, I have to say I'm pleased with Humira."

• laz...
• September 29, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "Started Humira in April 2013, and I have lost lots of hair and have skin issues. I have also lost weight and have no appetite. I also am on Diflucan for Valley fever."