The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Safe Sex and HIV Prevention
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

Help!!! Balding and Not Feeling So Beautiful
Apr 17, 2008

Hi Dr. Bob: I was given PEP after what I was told was a relatively low risk occupational incident. Since stopping the PEP my hair seems to be falling out in large amounts. Have you heard of this happening? Is it common? When will it stop? Please help...as right now it looks like I'll be shopping for wigs this weekend and they are crazy expensive!

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hi,

Some HIV medications, such as 3TC (Epivir) can cause thinning of the hair. This doesn't usually occur with only a 28-day course. There are many other causes for hair loss. I'd suggest you see a dermatologist for an evaluation before assuming your new Yul Brynner or Sinead O'Connor look is related to your PEP. Also, no matter what the cause, if you are losing your hair, you might want to reconsider your plan to shop for a "rug." I think cue balls are hot! (And it's quite fashionable!)

Good luck.

Dr. Bob



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.