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I'm 69 years old and newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. My case of transverse myelitis in 2002 is considered as the beginning of my MS. The left side of my body went numb and tingly in April of 2024, so it had been in remission for many years.

April 4, 2025
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A MyMSTeam Member

😳 That’s pretty amazing that your hair grew back curly! At least I'm encouraged that your hair grew back.

April 4, 2025 (edited)
MyMSTeam

Hair thinning is a known side effect of teriflunomide (Aubagio), affecting about 10-14% of people who take it. The good news is that this side effect is typically temporary and not severe enough for others to notice. Many MyMSTeam members have shared similar experiences with hair thinning while taking this medication. One Show Full Answer

Hair thinning is a known side effect of teriflunomide (Aubagio), affecting about 10-14% of people who take it. The good news is that this side effect is typically temporary and not severe enough for others to notice. Many MyMSTeam members have shared similar experiences with hair thinning while taking this medication. One member reported that their hair thinning started around month three of treatment but only lasted a couple of months, and it wasn't noticeable to others. The hair loss typically doesn't require stopping the medication, and your hair should grow back while continuing treatment.

It's important to discuss any concerns about side effects with your neurologist, but don't stop taking or change your dosage without consulting them first.

April 4, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

I have been on Aubagio (and now the generic) since 2017. YES, I did lose a lot of hair for about the first 3 or 4 months, if I remember correctly. I was told that it would just affect that follicle cycle (which is 90 days, I think). So, my hair thinned so much that I ended up having to cut several inches off so that it didn't look as noticeable. My "hair lady" did Vital shot treatments and a Keratin treatment in order to strengthen my hair and I believe that extra care helped some. But, the crazy thing is that once it started growing back in, it grew back very curly!! My hair has always been fairly straight...until them, haha!

April 4, 2025 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

I took Aubagio and had no problems with hair loss.

April 4, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

I was on Aubagio for a year, and it turned out to not be a good drug for me. I did lose hair over that period of time, and I had diarrhea for a the entire time I was taking it. I thought it might be my diet or something else, but when I told my doctor and we stopped the Aubagio that cleared up as well. My hair...no, I can't say that it has grown back. It thinned, like you mentioned. I didn't just go bald. That said, I'm a little thin and receding up front and there is a bald spot in the back. I don't know if I can blame the Aubagio for that, or my grandfather, or it's just 41 year old luck of the draw.

My doctor just recommended Biotin. I know there is Biotin you can get over the counter as a sort of vitamin/supplement. I know there are products with the name Biotin that may or may not help. I never tried them. A hat was more cost effective for me, and honestly, I can't see the bald spot, and unless I look in a mirror I can't see the front either. So I don't care. I understand that may not be the case for a lady though.

I complained to a barber about it once as well. They had some kind of product that remined me of a salt and pepper shaker. It was similar to like small, tiny little hairs that she just sprinkled on my head and very gently brushed/shook down to my scalp. After she put that in my hair it did give the appearance of a fuller head of hair. My scalp wasn't nearly as noticeable, so that made it appear fuller. That might be something to get you by until you find a better solution??

I can say that I noticed it thinning and getting worse when I was on the Aubagio though. Hair growing back...I can't say. Mine really didn't, but there may be genetic/male hair loss reasons for that too.

April 4, 2025

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