I'm losing hair on the top of my head and the only thing I can attribute it to is a change in my blood pressure meds. Last fall my doctor changed me from Diovan HCT to Losartan 100mg. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
Has anyone experienced hair loss when taking Losartan?
Question posted by pchris on 15 Feb 2012
Last updated on 14 August 2023 by LochNessMonst3r
99 Answers
Background- I've been taking Losartan for roughly 7 years. Within the last 2 years, my dosage increased from 50mg to 100mg (combo pill with hydrochlorothiazide). Within those years, I've felt like my thick hair was thinning. Last week, I used a mirror and got a good look at the back of my head and noticed where my hair was parted, I had a pretty sizeable bald spot at the crown of my head. I was horrified and upset. I've always taken pride in how my hair looks, so it was truly upsetting. The only prescription medication I take daily is Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 100mg/12.5 so narrowing down what I consume on a daily basis was simple. Reading all these comments from others who also lost hair made me feel better, because I at least know what's causing the hair loss and I'm not alone. I've also dealt with swollen legs and ankles since taking this medication. Thankfully, I have a doctor appointment this week. I'm going to ask the doctor for a different medication.
This is an update to my original question concerning hair loss and losartan. I see where one post stated that it is a rare side effect... but my research shows it is not so rare, just covered up because who wants to lose his/her hair. I suspect many people do not realize Losartan is the main cause of their hair loss, do not know how to report this side effect, possibly the complaint gets dismissed by medical staff (perhaps should look for different medical staff), or if a male, may think it is a normal part of aging. I have been off it for about a year and my hair took about six months before I noticed it was finally growing back in. Now my hair is growing normally at last but it has taken a year. It was replaced by amlodipine.
Yes, I lost all the hair in top of crown. I’ve since gone to Barber Shop & have back & sides faded while I work on Alopecia in the crown. Losartan also makes tongue swell with knots like the hives. It affects women over 60. I found this after researching because I also had sore swollen tongue for over a year. Now I see a lot of women on this blog are filing Class Action lawsuits. I think I’ll join them.
STOP TAKING THIS DRUG SPECIFICALLY 100MG seeking legal council all my hair 30 years of growth fell out. I was covered in hundreds HUNDREDS OF BLOODY LESIONS infections spread to my gums teeth fell out moles bleeding. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG SPECIFICALLY 100MG
I had hair loss. Stopped Losartan and I’m losing much less!
I have been on 100mg Losartan the last year and I have terrible terrible hair loss.
A lot of you said you went back to your blood pressure medicine before losartan…what did you all go back to??
I started it last year and all the top of my hair and back have fallen out.it hasn't grown either. Its horrible!! I finally had doctor take it off. I dont ha r anymore hair. He didnt believe me but I said take me off.
Was taking Losartan for a short time and started developing severe scalp itch that turned in to scalp Psoriasis! I began losing my hair and the texture of my hair changed to coarse and my hair was thinning allover! Also, started getting skin rashes, skin blisters and Extreme fatigue and weight gain! Good Lord this is a horrible drug! BEWARE!
Fatigue happens because it slows your heart and nervous system.
I started taking Losartan about 3 months ago. This last 3 week, I have been losing my hair. I know women shed about 150 hairs a day. But mine is way more. This is the only thing that has changed in my daily life. I took myself off the med and ask Doc to prescribe what I was on before Losartan. I hope the major hair loss, will stop soon.
What do you take?
That's a big old YES! I started on lorazepam about 6 months ago and 3 months in I couldn't believe how my hair had thinned to the point of seeing bare spots all over my head. I'm going to try Valsartan if she'll prescribe it, otherwise I'll be on the hunt for a new doc. Geez!
Yes. I switched back to Valsartan and the hair loss reversed.
Yes, lots of hair loss, but when I mentioned it to the doctor, she didn't believe it, since it is not listed as a side effect. I am beginning not to trust anything anymore because the drug companies will not list side effects which are not a health risk. I also experienced swelling of my feet to the point that my shoes were too tight to wear!
Interesting
Interesting
All my hair gone getting on class action all skin on whole body fell off became unbearable to wear clothes migraines fatigue stop taking LOSARTAN AT ALL COSTS
All my hair gone getting on class action all skin on whole body fell off became unbearable to wear clothes migraines fatigue stop taking LOSARTAN AT ALL COSTS
OMG yes, I’m virtually almost bald. I’ve addressed this several times & keep getting blown off. I’ve experienced scalp burn several years ago @ job picnic. The scalp peeled several days after bad head ache. The following year I wore head gear & it happened again. The 100 mg. is the highest dosage. Has any medical professional addressed your Alopecia? Also have you had any other side effects? I had interesting conversation with Pulmonologist about possible allergic reactions he said that could also be Losartan related.
DO NOT LET THESE DOCTORS IGNORE YOU ITS 100% LOSARTAN 100% DM ME . IVE PUT HUNDREDS hundreds of hours into my case against losartan my doc who chose to CHOSE to ignore my signs changed my records to absolve his responsibility.
DO NOT LET THESE DOCTORS IGNORE YOU ITS 100% LOSARTAN 100% DM ME . IVE PUT HUNDREDS hundreds of hours into my case against losartan my doc who chose to CHOSE to ignore my signs changed my records to absolve his responsibility.
Nope
Yes. I noticed hair loss after a couple of months. I had to switch back to Valsartan, and my hair recovered after a month or two.
I started losartan 2 months ago, my hair is falling out every day. I've never had that happen so quickly. For a woman it's very depressing, adding anxiety too. Seeing a doc this morning, but as I looked none of the BP meds are "user friendly", they all have side effects. I got off amlodipine because it made my feet swell to the point that I had to order shoes one size larger and wide. I suppose I'll take that over a hair loss and being depressed because of it. We'll see what the doc says.
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diovan hct, high blood pressure, losartan, doctor
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