Unfortunately, hair loss is a common part of getting older. In some cases, however, excessive hair loss and blading can be the result of new or increased medication. In many cases, hair loss resulting from medication is temporary and grows back. In others, side-effects can result in pattern baldness and permanent loss of hair.
If you feel that the medication you are taking is causing baldness or hair loss, you should consult with your pharmacist immediately. Also, review this list of commonly known medications which can contribute to hair loss and what you can do about it.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor
- Anticoagulants such as Warfarin or Coumadin
- ACE Inhibitor blood pressure medications like Aptopril and Lisinopril.
- Soriatane (acitretin)
- Amiodarone such as Cordarone or Pacerone
- Anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet) an acid reducer used for ulcers
- Progesterone (Depo-Provera) or Provera or Prometrium
- Isotretinoin such as Absorica or Accutane
- Ketoconazole
How to Know if Medication is the Culprit
If you have a suspicion that medication is causing hair loss, absolutely do not experiment on your own, contact a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will run some test and have you answer questions to see if your hair loss issue is medication related and also confirm that there are no underlying medical issues contributing to the situation. You may be asked to have a scalp examination, a hair examination, a biopsy of the scalp, as well as hormone and thyroid tests. In that case, your doctor does suspect the medication is the cause; they will likely suggest a change in dosage, trying an alternative drug, or stopping altogether will help locate the problem.
What to do
With most of the drugs which cause baldness and hair loss, simply quitting the medication is all that is required to fix the issue. The majority of cases see hair growing back within a few months. If your hair does not grow back within 2-3 months of quitting the medication, the best avenue is to return to your doctor for suggestions on alternative medicines that will promote growth. It's always good to remember that when you are prescribed a new drug to ask if hair loss is a known side-effect. In the case that it is, always ask for an alternative.
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