Does Humira cause hair loss?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Does Humira cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Humira (Adalimumab) and it is not reported in a lot of cases. In fact, it is quite an unpredictable side effect and there’s no way to tell what triggers it and what type of people are more susceptible to this side effect (1).
Some experts believe that Humira may alter the number of cytokines in your body which may or may not affect your hair growth. However, it is quite rare and no one can predict the occurrence of this side effect prior to Humira use.
What side effects are common with Humira?
Humira, although it does not commonly cause hair loss, is associated with some side effects – ranging from mild to severe (1,2).
Common side effects of Humira include:
- Rash or skin irritation
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Injection site itching
- Urinary tract infections
Rare but serious side effects (seek immediate medical attention if experienced):
- Serious infections (including tuberculosis, fungal infections, and bacterial infections)
- Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- Neurological problems (such as multiple sclerosis-like symptoms)
- Blood disorders (low white blood cell count, low platelet count)
- Heart failure
- Lung problems (including sarcoidosis and pneumonitis)
It is important to note that individual experiences may vary. If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects while taking Humira, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
What factors can contribute to hair loss while taking Humira?
When taking Humira (Adalimumab), hair loss can occur due to several factors. These factors may include:
- Underlying condition: Humira is prescribed for certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. These conditions themselves can contribute to hair loss.
- Disease flare-up: In some cases, when the underlying condition being treated by Humira flares up or worsens, hair loss can be a side effect.
- Stress: Chronic illnesses and the challenges they bring can lead to stress, which is known to contribute to hair loss.
- Immune system response: Humira works by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation. However, this immune suppression can affect hair follicles, leading to temporary hair loss.
What to do if you’re experiencing hair loss on Humira?
If you’re losing a lot of hair and you think Humira is the culprit behind it, talk to your healthcare provider. Only your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to continue using this medication or not. If dose reduction could fix the issue, your doctor may try it.
However, some meds just don’t work in some cases and discontinuing them is the best possible thing to go for. Make sure you talk to your doctor about it and do not make any changes to your prescription on your own.
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References
1.-
Scheinfeld N. Adalimumab (HUMIRA): a review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2003 Aug;2(4):375-7. PMID: 12884458. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12884458/
2.-
Ellis CR, Azmat CE. Adalimumab. 2022 Dec 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491812. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557889
