How can you stop my hair from falling out from Methotrexate?
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
How can you stop my hair from falling out from Methotrexate?
You can try to reverse hair fall from Methotrexate by trying the following tips:
- Use Folic acid and Biotin supplements
- Try Minoxidil topical preparation
- Avoid using harsh chemicals in your hair
- Opt for a healthier diet
- Try massaging your scalp with coconut oil/castor oil
- Use onion extract
Use Folic acid and Biotin supplements
Folic acid and Biotin supplements can help you with Methotrexate-induced hair loss. Methotrexate tends to affect the functioning of folic acid in your body and this vitamin is essential for cell division.
You can’t expect your hair to grow if hair cells fail to divide. This is why Folic acid and Biotin supplements are a must to take while you’re on Methotrexate.
Try Minoxidil topical preparation
Minoxidil topical preparation is considered a good medication to reverse hair loss. You can simply apply it to your hair roots and leave it for some time.
It is a vasodilator which increases the flow of blood towards your scalp. Blood is responsible for carrying and transporting oxygen and nutrients to almost all parts of your body, including your hair.
This can significantly improve your hair loss, and as it is topically applied, you don’t have to worry about the possible side effects. However, Minoxidil is quite expensive and not everyone can afford it.
Avoid using harsh chemicals in your hair
It’s best to stick to a no-chemical shampoo while you’re experiencing hair loss on Methotrexate. This is because harsh chemicals present in shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, serums, etc may end up damaging your hair even more in the name of ‘fixing’ them.
You can try using baby shampoos to wash your hair if you wish to use a no-chemical shampoo.
Opt for a healthier diet
Your diet can make a huge difference when it comes to enhancing your recovery rate. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and steer clear from unhealthy foods that have no nutritional value. Make sure your food is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats.
Try massaging your scalp with coconut oil/castor oil
Both castor and coconut oil are good for your hair as they contain the essential nutrients that your hair requires for normal growth. Massaging these oils into your scalp can help improve their absorption into your skin and will increase blood flow.
This process will most likely reverse your hair loss, but it could take a while to do that. Make sure you stay consistent.
Use onion extract
According to research studies, onion extract can be used topically to enhance hair growth. Onions contain Sulphur which helps your hair regrow.
The added nutrients also enhance the texture and overall quality of your hair, but again you need to be consistent with applying it on your scalp as the process could take a while.
Final words
It is best to consult your healthcare provider and get some tests done to check for some deficiencies caused by Methotrexate. This anticancer medication does not only target cancer cells but also kills healthy body cells as well. This can affect a number of normal physiological functions of the human body.
This is why you should have a thorough discussion with your provider about taking all the necessary supplements and the right kind of diet. In most cases, hair loss on Methotrexate continues until the treatment continues.
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References
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Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Aug;3(3):166-169. doi 10.1159/000462981. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28879195; PMCID: PMC5582478. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/
2.-
Rumsfield JA, West DP, Fiedler-Weiss VC. Topical minoxidil therapy for hair regrowth. Clin Pharm. 1987 May;6(5):386-92. PMID: 3311578. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3311578/
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Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK. Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. J Dermatol. 2002 Jun;29(6):343-6. doi 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2002.tb00277.x. PMID: 12126069. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/
