The antifungal drug voriconazole: can it cause hair loss?

Hair loss from Voriconazole

I enjoyed reading this new study from Michigan which showed that the antifungal drug voriconazole caused hair loss in 82 % of 152 users and was rated as severe in 15 %. In most patients the hair grew back once the drug was stopped and even in some when another antifungal drug was substituted. 

This comes as a surprise given that hair loss occurred in only 2 % of users in the premarketing clinical trials. More study is needed to better define the risks but all users of voriconazole should be advised about the side effect of hair loss. 

Reference

Malani et al. Alopecia and nail changes associated with voriconazole therapy. Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Aug 1;59(3):e61-5.