I have been on Xarelto, which is a blood thinner, for about 7 months. I have been wondering if Xarelto is causing my hair loss. It comes out in a handful every day, At first I was using my hair brush but now I use my wide-tooth comb. I can't believe I'm getting all this hair every day. My hair use to be thick and curly. It is still curly but now it is getting thinner and thinner. Recently I have been doing some research about Xarelto and hair loss. I find that there are quite a number of people who have experienced the same hair loss problem with Xarelto that I am now experiencing. So, I would like to know what I can do to make my hair become thicker again. If I stay on Xarelto, I know I won't have one hair left on my head.
Can Xarelto cause hair loss?
Question posted by mary70 on 29 June 2018
Last updated on 30 June 2023 by Jennifer nicole
7 Answers
Jennifer nicole
30 June 2023
I have been having the same problem with hair loss for over 2 years now. I brought this up to my family doctor, which she said that it is not a known side effects although this is the only new medication I’ve been on and it started shortly after. She took several blood tests and nothing came back as the cause of my hair loss. I’m so frustrated my hair used to be so thick and beautiful now it is so limp and thin. My stylist is worried because it falls out in gobs. Has anyone tried any other blood thinners that didnt cause this side effect?
lovesarge
9 Feb 2022
Im 23 and I started taking Xarelto Nov 2021 for sever blood clots in my legs. It was a side effect of my hormonal birth control. I noticed at the end of December 2021 that i was experiencing severe hair loss.. I thought it was stress from the holidays. Well now in Feb of 2022 I realized my hair loss started with this new medication. I'm seriously concerned about the amount of hair loss I've experienced. And I do so much for my hair to keep it healthy. I take supplements that were working wonders before i started Xarelto. I do hair masks, use oils and leave in conditioners, silk scrunchies and pillow cases. I only uses heat to dry my hair when i wash it once a week. And despite all of this my hair keeps falling out of my head. I'm on Xarelto for another few months.
Maybe the rest of my life if im unlucky. Im worried about what might happen if is have to stay on this
SKWELLS
16 Dec 2022
Since Xarelto is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the coagulation of blood in order to prevent clotting, it affects the circulation of blood throughout the body. The production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which help carry oxygen through the body, is affected by the use of Xarelto. These are important for ensuring proper circulation of blood – and oxygen – throughout the body.
The Connection Between Xarelto and Hair Loss
Typically, hair loss associated with the use of Xarelto is associated with dry skin as well. Patients that have reported one have usually reported the other.
Proper oxygenation of your muscles and organs is extremely important for proper health. Since Xarelto affects this, it can potentially decrease the amount of oxygen that your scalp and hair follicles receive. In some cases, this could dry your skin out and even your cause some hair loss. It may also affect hair growth moving forward.
Xarelto and Hair Loss
Hair loss is not listed on the label as a side effect of Xarelto, so it may not be a known side effect. It is important to consider other things that may affect your hair loss other than Xarelto. It is possible due to the way Xarelto works, but it is not common or normally reported.
Who is Most Likely to Experience Hair Loss from Xarelto?
Hair loss in relation to Xarelto is most common in females that are over the age of 60, have been taking the drug for about one to six months, also take Vitamin D, and have Atrial fibrillation. Patients taking Xarelto that experienced hair loss also reported multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, hepatitis c, and depression.
Xarelto and Hair Loss
Hair loss is not a known or common side effect of Xarelto, also known by the common drug name rivaroxaban. It is not listed on the label as a potential side effect. However, Xarelto can potentially have an impact on hair loss based on how it works and functions.
pl7711
13 April 2020
I have been on Xarelto for about 3 years, I used to have amazingly thick, lustrous hair. I have had this kind of hair for my entire life. I hate to sound vain, but it was my best feature. I have been experiencing significant hair loss since I started taking this drug. I have a genetic clotting disorder and must be on blood thinners for the remainder of my life. Until I saw this thread, I have been searching for an answer to explain my hair loss. I fill up a brush with a few strokes. There is hair all over my home - in the shower, on the floor, all over my pillow case, on my clothing, at all times. I have been to an endocrinologist to try to determine the cause. No luck. I actually accumulated two ziplocs full of two day's worth of shedded hair to show to the doctor. She told me to see a psychiatrist. That was quite charming, don't you think?! I have purchased Biotin, Viviscal, etc. with no results.
Now I think I have the answer from reading this thread. What can be done? I am desperate. Thanks for the question and all the posts. It does provide some sense of satisfaction to know that others may be going through the same thing. Now, how do we start growing back our hair!
Jillypm
4 March 2020
I was on Lovenox for 7 months due to a DVT and pulmonary embolism caused by Tamoxifen. Was switched to Xarelto 2 weeks ago and my hair immediately started falling out in clumps. At this rate I will be bald within 2 months.
jinglesc
31 Oct 2019
I had significant hair loss with Xarelto and called the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug. I spoke with a pharmacist, who said he was not aware of this side effect. I explained that, in fact, my hair loss was ongoing and significant. He did not seem to believe me or care. Just recently I was given Eliquis for a blood clot in my brain that caused a stroke. Once again, I am experiencing significant hair loss. No one seems to be able to explain the relationship between blood thinners and my hair loss, but it's real and not my imagination. When I wash my hair, my hands are covered with my hair, which then, of course, ends up all over the floor of the shower/tub. I am seeking an answer to why this is happening and would love to hear from others who have had similar reactions to blood thinners (not any particular medication because I've experienced this with 2 different brands). Thank you.
Pamelahenderson1
21 July 2019
I was on Xarelto for 6 months and had Significant hair loss (by the hand-fulls!)!! Told my pulmonogist he changed me to Eliquis- which stopped the hair loss!! Everyone needs to know if this side effect!!
Poochie78
17 Nov 2020
I've been on Eliquis for around 2 months and have experienced hair loss.
Judyhatch
23 Aug 2018
I have been on Xarelto since June 5, 2018. I used to take Eliquis but had hair loss. Thought I would try Xarelto. It was worse than Eliquis for hair loss. My hair comes out in handfuls and is dull and thin. Quit taking Xarelto on August 14, 2018. Went back on Coumadin. My hair is still coming out by the handfuls. I was on Coumadin for almost 2 years but all the doctors were saying get off of the Coumadin. Worse thing I did. Taking Xarelto and having major hair loss is a side effect. Now a week later all I can hope for is that taking Xarelto didn't cause permanent hair loss.
melanzane
1 Nov 2018
I have been on xarelto since June. I hate combing my hair,. The comb or brush is always full of hair.
I did have thick strong hair but it is now fine and thin. Will I go bald? The doctor is not interested, probably thinks I am a silly old woman.
Related topics
atrial fibrillation, xarelto, blood thinners, hair
Further information
- Xarelto uses and safety info
- Xarelto prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xarelto (detailed)
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