Chemotherapy drugs usually cause hair loss in patients which can be temporary and permanent too. From below you can also get the list of medicines that cause hair loss in cancer patients.
Hair loss is a common side effect of many cancer drugs. It can be caused by the drugs damaging the hair follicles, which are the tiny sacs that produce hair. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent, and it can be complete or partial.
The type of cancer drug, the dose, and the length of treatment all affect the likelihood of hair loss. Some anti cancer drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others.
Which Cancer Drugs Cause Hair Loss?
The following cancer drugs are most likely to cause hair loss:
- Anthracyclines: This class of drugs includes doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil), epirubicin (Ellence), and idarubicin (Idamycin). Anthracyclines are used to treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
- Taxanes: This class of drugs includes paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere). Taxanes are used to treat a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and head and neck cancer.
- Vinca alkaloids: This class of drugs includes vincristine (Oncovin) and vinblastine (Velban). Vinca alkaloids are used to treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and testicular cancer.
Cancer Drugs List Which Causes Hair Loss?
Cancer drugs that usually cause hair loss are:
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Ifosfamide (Ifex)
- Irinotecan (Camptosar)
- Etoposide (Vepesid)
- Methotrexate
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Bleomycin (Blenoxane)
- Cisplatin
- Dacarbazine (DTIC)
- Procarbazine
How To Reduce The Risk Of Hair Loss From Cancer Drugs?
There is no sure way to prevent hair loss from cancer drugs. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk, such as:
- Scalp cooling: Scalp cooling is a treatment that helps to reduce blood flow to the scalp during chemotherapy. This can help to protect the hair follicles from damage and reduce hair loss.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is a topical medication that can help to promote hair growth. It is often used to treat hair loss from cancer drugs.
- Biotin: Biotin is a vitamin that is important for hair growth. Taking biotin supplements may help to reduce hair loss from cancer drugs.
How Long Does It Take For Hair To Fall Out After Chemotherapy?
Hair loss usually starts within 2-3 weeks of starting chemotherapy. It may continue to fall out for several weeks after treatment ends.
Will My Hair Grow Back After Chemotherapy?
Yes, hair usually grows back after chemotherapy. It may take several months for your hair to grow back to its original length and thickness.
How Can I Cope With Hair Loss From Cancer Drugs?
Hair loss can be a difficult experience for many people. There are several things you can do to cope with hair loss, such as:
- Talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help you understand what to expect from hair loss and provide you with information on coping strategies.
- Wear a wig or hat. A wig or hat can help you to feel more confident and comfortable while your hair is growing back.
- Join a support group. Talking to other people who are also experiencing hair loss can be helpful and supportive.
Which Chemo Drugs Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
The following chemo drugs are most likely to cause permanent hair loss:
- Taxanes: paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere)
- Vinca alkaloids: vincristine (Oncovin) and vinblastine (Velban)
- Anthracyclines: doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and epirubicin (Ellence)
Other chemo drugs that may cause permanent hair loss include:
- Irinotecan (Camptosar)
- Etoposide (Vepesid)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Ifosfamide (Ifex)
- Methotrexate
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Bleomycin (Blenoxane)
- Cisplatin
- Dacarbazine (DTIC)
- Procarbazine
However, it is important to note that the risk of permanent hair loss from chemodrugs varies from person to person. Some people may experience complete and permanent hair loss, while others may experience only temporary hair loss or no hair loss at all.
Do All Cancer Drugs Cause Hair Loss?
No, not all cancer drugs cause hair loss. Some cancer drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others. The following cancer drugs are most likely to cause hair loss:
- Anthracyclines
- Taxanes
- Vinca alkaloids
Other cancer drugs that may cause hair loss include:
- Cyclophosphamide
- Ifosfamide
- Irinotecan
- Etoposide
- Methotrexate
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Bleomycin
- Cisplatin
- Dacarbazine (DTIC)
- Procarbazine
How To Stop Hair Loss From Medication?
There is no sure way to stop hair loss from medication. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk, such as:
- Scalp cooling: Scalp cooling is a treatment that helps to reduce blood flow to the scalp during chemotherapy. This can help to protect the hair follicles from damage and reduce hair loss.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is a topical medication that can help to promote hair growth. It is often used to treat hair loss from cancer drugs.
- Biotin: Biotin is a vitamin that is important for hair growth. Taking biotin supplements may help to reduce hair loss from cancer drugs.
Will Hair Grow Back After Chemo?
Yes, hair usually grows back after chemotherapy. It may take several months for your hair to grow back to its original length and thickness.
However, some people may experience permanent hair loss from chemotherapy. This is more likely with certain cancer drugs, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids.
How Long Does It Take for Hair to Regrow?
Hair usually starts to grow back within 1-3 months of finishing chemotherapy. It may take several months for your hair to grow back to its original length and thickness.
However, some people may experience permanent hair loss from chemotherapy. This is more likely with certain cancer drugs, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids.
Are There Any Risk-Free Cancer Drugs for Hair Loss?
There are no cancer drugs that are risk-free for hair loss. However, some cancer drugs are less likely to cause hair loss than others.
For example, targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs are less likely to cause hair loss than chemotherapy drugs.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a common side effect of many cancer drugs. It can be temporary or permanent, and it can be complete or partial. There is no sure way to prevent hair loss from cancer drugs, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk and cope with the experience.