Celebrex and Hair Loss

Q:  This note is in reference to your earlier column on hair loss . My wife is 90 years old (I'm 93!). She has always had a good head of hair, but ever since her doctor prescribed Celebrex two weeks ago, her hair has been falling out. Her regular hairdresser for 20 years also wondered what was causing it.

A:  In that column the person who lost all body hair had an autoimmune disease that destroyed the hair follicles, and I believe taking Celebrex was probably just a coincidence. In your wife's case, the hair loss may be a reaction to the Celebrex so it should be reversible after stopping the medication. Hair loss is listed as a potential side effect with almost all anti-inflammatory drugs. How marvelous that you and your wife are still going strong in your 90s and that she has lots of hair! Hope it grows back soon.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.