Can Entyvio cause hair loss?

Entyvio (vedolizumab) has not been shown to cause hair loss in clinical trials, and hair loss is not listed as a known side effect. However, there have been rare case reports of people taking the medication and experiencing hair loss.

Case Reports of Hair Loss

• In one case reported in The Spanish Journal of Gastroenterology in 2018, a patient with Crohn’s disease experienced mild hair loss shortly after starting treatment with Entyvio, which eventually progressed to severe scalp psoriasis and more extensive hair loss. After stopping the drug, the patient’s condition improved, and hair regrowth occurred.
• In another case reported in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in 2017, a patient with ulcerative colitis reportedly developed psoriasis shortly after beginning Entyvio, although the scalp was not affected.

Hair Loss and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Even though Entyvio is unlikely to cause hair loss, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—which Entyvio treats—may be more prone to hair loss due to:

• Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition linked to IBD.
• Vitamin deficiencies, which can contribute to hair thinning.
• Other IBD medications, such as methotrexate and infliximab, which have been rarely associated with hair loss.

Conclusion

While Entyvio itself is not directly linked to hair loss, underlying IBD-related factors could contribute to hair thinning. If you experience hair loss while taking Entyvio, consult your healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore potential treatment options.