Transient hair loss during treatment with dimethyl-fumarate for multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2016 May:7:68-9. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2016.03.006. Epub 2016 Mar 17.

Abstract

Introduction: Dimethyl-fumarate is a recently approved drug for relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Italy.

Clinical case: A 55-year-old woman started therapy with dimethyl-fumarate on June 2014; it was well-tolerated aside from moderate flushing. Starting September 2014 she noticed a progressive hair loss, that neither the dermatological examination nor clinical and medical history nor blood investigations could explain. The hair loss slowed down after two months and was followed by a hair growth back.

Discussion: Transient hair loss is not a reported side effect of dimethyl-fumarate therapy but by excluding any known cause we attributed it to the beginning of the new therapy.

Keywords: Dimethyl-fumarate; Disease modifying therapies; Hair loss; Multiple sclerosis; Side effect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / chemically induced*
  • Alopecia / pathology
  • Dimethyl Fumarate / adverse effects*
  • Dimethyl Fumarate / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Dimethyl Fumarate