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(Health-NewsWire.Net, April 03, 2015 ) Orlando, FL -- Hair loss is one of the symptoms that can often be experienced by many arthritis patients. While further investigation is still necessary, many believe that the culprit is a drug commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis.
According to research, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, can potentially cause hair loss in arthritis patients. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis have been known to cause hair loss, but researchers believe treatment may also play a role.
Research showed that DMARDs such as methotrexate, which is a popular treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, is responsible for the hair loss experienced by 1 to 3 percent of patients. It happens when methotrexate tries to stop cells from growing, which includes cells that cause inflammation and hair follicles. Aside from methotrexate, leflunomide is another DMARD known to produce hair loss side effects. According to experts, leflunomide has the same effect as methotrexate, but affects 10 percent of users.
Chair of the Pharmacy Practice Department at North Dakota State University and drug expert, Donald Miller, PharmD, believes it's useful to know that hair loss is not a widespread complication. However, despite the apparently low incidence, many consumers are still concerned about the issue.
"For many of my patients - especially women- their hair is their crowning glory," says Jerry Shapiro, MD, New York University dermatologist and hair loss specialist.
It has not yet been validated whether or not these drugs are definitively causing hair loss in patients. Nonetheless, there are many sufferers who prefer to use alternative options to reduce their risk for the side effects. Having arthritis is painful enough and they are convinced that they no longer need to experience more suffering by taking treatments that cause side effects.
"There are quite a number of arthritis sufferers who are using natural alternatives such as glucosamine supplements. According to consumers, they feel more improvements in their condition using glucosamine, without experiencing the side effects," adds VitaBreeze spokesperson, Michelle O'Sullivan.
Glucosamine supplements are widely popular nowadays, especially among arthritis patients. These supplements typically contain several natural ingredients that are believed to be beneficial for joint health. Other minerals typically taken with glucosamine supplements include chondroitin, MSM and turmeric (http://www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Sulfate-Chondroitin-Supplement-Turmeric/dp/B00DUMO9X4).
About VitaBreeze
VitaBreeze is a nutraceutical brand that manufactures high quality natural supplements to help people live a healthy, enjoyable and longer life.
VitaBreeze
Benjamin Lasance
(407) 545-2239
media@vitabreeze.com
Source: EmailWire.Com 
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