Elmiron and hair issues

[Magick]

Ok, let me preface this by saying I am not bald! Anyway, although Elmiron has caused a little hair loss, the real issue I am noticing is that my hair texture is changing. My hair is becoming increasingly brittle and breaking off very easily. I have been on this medication a month and have already noticed a big improvement in my symptoms so I am determined to keep taking it. I guess my question would be if any other people have experienced this and if they have, what treatments/remedies helped combat the dryness? Perhaps shampoos, home remedies, hot oil treatments...any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Lauren

[sailawaygrl]

The description for the hair loss that is associated with Elmiron is alopecia(sp?) which is hair loss in one spot. Not breaking or changing of texture. In one month your hair should have grown approximately 1/4 of and inch, so your hair beyond the root is known as old growth. Nothing you take will change that portion of your hair. The amount of oil your scalp is producing could be changing and stress from IC can cause things like that. You might try a good conditioner and try not to wash your hair as often.

I would say don't stop your Elmiron and I am glad that you are seeing help with it!!

Take care,
Sandra

[Magick]

Thanks for the response. You make a valid point about my hair problems not being related to the Elmiron. I actually saw my stylist today and he made me feel a little better about this situation....I tend to be a hypochondriac and immediately experience every side effect for medications! I am definitely NOT stopping the Elmiron, I already feel better and it hasn't even been a month. Last night I actually slept the entire time without having to wake up to go to the bathroom.

Lauren

[sailawaygrl]

Haha! I think we all get a bit freaked out by medication side effects. Years ago my Grandmother had one of those pill books that tell you all about medications, even those extremely rare side effects. I was looking at it one day and she told me to take that "stupid book" with me, she said that it had scared the witts out of her!! I have to agree, sometimes we pass right over the part that says "rare" as in 1 in a million! It is good to watch for side effects but I am glad that it seems you were wrong on this one and you are having good results.

Sandra

[cmclien]

Hi Lauren,

I have had alot of breakage myself this winter and discovered with my hairstylists help that too much protein in conditioners makes it worse. (This first started after a keratin treatment.) The tough thing is these days almost every conditioner has protein in it even when it says moisturizing. I switched to an all natural shampoo and protein free conditioner made by jessicurl and the breakage is MUCH better. I only use a protein conditioner now every week or two. This may not be your case but thought I'd mention it as something to look into.

[flowerangela]

lauren
my hairstylist was mentioning the nioxin brand of haircare to someone with the same concerns the other day.i just looked at their website and their products claim toimprove texture,prevent brittleness,breakage or oilyness.their product is also supposed to prevent the hair from falling out.it looks like it would be expensive but totally worth it considering something for my hair myself as the elmiron is also causing me to shed alot plus stress.ive also had success in the past with v05 hot oil treatments prior to IC.

[Magick]

Thanks for the replies ladies! Thats so funny because I bought the Nioxin shampoo but my stylist says its harsh on hair and would dry it out even further...lol, who knows what to believe! Anyway, he convinced me to start using the Aveda dry remedy shampoo and conditioner..in the mean time he cut a lot of dead and brittle ends off of my hair so I am already feeling better. Sometimes its hard to tell if my side effects are actually occuring or if I am just obsessing On a side note...I seem to be experiencing more bruising than usual. I literally have huge bruises on my legs and I don't even remember bumping into things. Is that a possible side effect of Elmiron?

[Jinny Jean]

I just started Elmiron a week ago, and I am already terrified of losing my hair!!
Doe anyine know the actual percentage of people who have this side affect? I have only been on thi drug a week so cant really tell if it helping yet, but I have a feeling it will!!!!!!!!! I am hopeful. The only side effect that I have had is BRUISING, but I can live with that...

[sailawaygrl]

It is a very small percentage of people that lose their hair only 4%. If you have the loss it will usually show up in the first month and be in one spot. Your hair will grow back if you stop the elmiron. It is a mild blood thinner which might account for the bruising but I think you should let you Dr know.

I hope you have success with the elmiron!