Anticoag hair loss

[rothwell]

I would like to know how many of you are losing their hair because of taking warfarin and if some of you are not losing hair. Do the new anticoags also cause hair loss?

[Rellim296]

Hair loss is a well know side effect of Warfarin, but I had no problem in that direction, nor with Rivaroxaban.

[rothwell in reply to Rellim296]

Thank you why did you change toRivaroxoban?

[Rellim296 in reply to rothwell]

Like Mrspat, I couldn't get a stable INR. Looking back, I don't know why I struggled with Warfarin for so long, but I had had reservations about the NOACs - and indeed about Warfarin - when I was first persuaded to take an anticoagulant, convinced I would have some sort of fatal bleed. Didn't happen. When I eventually changed to Rivaroxaban it was like duck to water - I feel far more protected than I did forever hovering on the fringes of the therapeutic range and heading in who knows what direction.

As Mrspat says, you do feel you aren't getting it right when everyone says how easy peasy Warfarin can be and they have no problems.

[unalou in reply to Rellim296]

I had hair loss on Wafarin and brittle nails. On Apixiban now hair has stopped faliing out still not back to what it was before but at least not falling out in clumps.

[Mrspat]

I had hair loss with Warfarin but not with Rivaroxaban. I changed because I could not get a stable INR , found the testing regime invasive and depressing, and the dietary restrictions (keeping constant) unreasonable. This was compounded by the need to be on a lengthy course of antibiotics and a growing awareness of the many medication conflicts with warfarin. The hair loss was an issue as well but disregarded by male doctors.

There will be others who try to tell you that if you can't get on with Warfarin you are doing something wrong. I'd say why bother when there are easier alternatives.

[dedeottie]

I had hair loss with warfarin. Changed to apixaban for other reasons and hair loss has slowed down but I wouldnt go as far as to say it has stopped. X

[BobD Volunteer]

Warfarin is reported as allowing hair loss in some people although I still have a very healthy head of hair at 71. I do have brittle nails however. I have never bothered with worrying about diet , however, and still have a nice stable INR so for me warfarin is a total non event..

As Mrspat comments, there are valid alternatives if you are not able to get on with it.

As an aside when I have to clear out the shower trap it is always blocked with long blonde hair not mine and my wife is not on any anticoags.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

I think that men probably assume that they are naturally balding but ladies know that is not an ageing thing for them so know it is the warfarin. One of my lady neighbours now wears a wig and has painful joints from warfarin.

My GP says that bruising and hair loss are the major reasons for female patients stopping warfarin.

[Whimsicalitys in reply to seasider18]

But then what do they use as a blood thinner?

[seasider18 in reply to Whimsicalitys]

They go back to Asasantin or aspirin as I have done twice for long periods after cardioversions. I went back to warfarin in February of this year after bring in permanent AF for a year as hoping to get Watchman or Amplatzer fitted.

Outwith this forum people are not so concerned or convinced and weigh up the odds of the type of stroke they will get. Many of them have my cardiologist who shouts, Do you want you want to have a stroke adding that the unprotected can have a life changing clot form in seconds.

First time I stopped my GP said that I was the third that week. He sighs and gives out the usual warnings. Many suffer from joint pain from Warfarin and have walking difficulties. They stop as do Statin users with muscle pain.

Someone I know stopped because of not having a high CHADs score was pleasantly surprised when the knee pain that he thought was arthritis went after stopping.

[jennydog]

I have had no hair loss on warfarin or Pradaxa.

[Alil]

I've been on warfarin for 3 years now with no side effects.

[CDreamer]

I've had no hair loss on Pradaxa or Apixaban.

[irene75359]

I have had no hair loss on warfarin and admit to not being too careful with my diet. However, after 10 months (with lots of colds, infections and various bugs which all affect my INR) I am generally in the therapeutic range and have no side effects. However, my large toenail looks like it is disintegrating - not sure if this is warfarin or walking!

[Whimsicalitys in reply to irene75359]

Do you go to a foot doctor?

[irene75359 in reply to Whimsicalitys]

No - but I went to see my GP as a precaution when I had bruises under my toenails ( my father died of melanoma which first presented as a blood blister on his foot and a friend had melanoma under the toenail). She examined my feet and made sure the bruise was moving upwards with the toenail growth and said there was nothing to worry about. I walk 5-6 miles a day and I think the pressure from my trainers has a lot to do with the bruising plus of course warfarin.

[MarkS]

I've no hair loss on warfarin (over and above what I had before I started on it!) and no problems with diet. I do test my INR once a week and I would recommend you invest in a Coaguchek. That's one of the advantages of warfarin - it can be tested unlike the newer alternatives.

[Von19]

I have had hair loss on warfarin, receding hairline and two bald patches Now on Rivaroxaban so will see how things go

[laza252]

Having taken Warfarin for 30+ years I've had no problem with hair loss only Nose Bleeds but now there controlled. And now time for a Haircut..

[NiceNana]

I had thinning hair and brittle nails on warfarin but since changing to Rivaroxaban things are slowly improving.

[NooNoo14]

I am pretty stable on a daily dose of 6mg Warfarin.

I have quite thick hair and, although I think it may have thinned slightly, I have never experienced it falling out.

Like Bob I have very weak nails but the major problem for me seems to be feeling cold - I really struggle to keep warm, particularly my hands.

Netty

[Whimsicalitys]

I am....and I am a hairdresser! Try some hair thickening agents... they help alot. Seems to be for only a few months then it evens out.

[Jacqui12]

I've experienced hair loss and still am, I'm finding it very distressing. As a woman it is affecting my self-confidence. My Dr is not interested and said there's nothing he can do, he's not prepared to try anything else.

[Rellim296 in reply to Jacqui12]

Why not have chat with your pharmacist, Jacqui, and see what information you can glean? Mine suggested a vitamin supplement formulated to improve hair, nails and skin. I might have yet another go at your doctor too or another member of the practice - or indeed another practice because there are alternatives - but they are more expensive. They don't suit everyone though and are apparently hard to get in Wales.

As I said above, I didn't have hair loss with warfarin but I didn't get on well with it. If I had to pay for my anticoagulation, I'd do without luxuries and if need be I'd go out to work and scrub floors willingly to raise the cash for Rivaroxaban.

[Jacqui12 in reply to Rellim296]

Hi Rellim296, thank you for your suggestions regarding talking to my pharmacist, I hadn't thought of that. I do feel I may see another Dr in the hope they may suggest trying another anticoagulant As you say it may be the case I'll have to pay for it if I have to. It's not easy to get in Cornwall I've been told.

[Rellim296 in reply to Jacqui12]

I've always found pharmacists full of good advice.

The NHS does fund the new anticoagulants but some doctors like to stick with warfarin. I was being metaphorical about paying for rivaroxaban!

[Jacqui12 in reply to Rellim296]

Yes I think it's a case of sticking to warfarin because it's tried, tested and cheap. Think I need to seek advice from other professionals. If I get desperate enough, I would pay for it, but rather not.

[rothwell in reply to Jacqui12]

I have asked 3 doctors who I know about which anticoagulant they would choose if they had AF ...all 3 said Warfarin mainly because of the level of control involved.

[Whimsicalitys in reply to Jacqui12]

There is plenty he can do! Even listening! I'd switch MD's!

[Jacqui12 in reply to Whimsicalitys]

That's how I felt but I then go to a place of he must see people who are so ill and I'm moaning about hair loss! But it's making me feel depressed. I feel better for the support thank you.

[unalou]

I was losing hair on warfarin. Now on apixaban no hair loss.

[Jacqui12]

Thank you, I'll speak to my Dr and try to be more assertive. I just feel despondent with trying to be heard. Just told its not warfarin as they've not had other patients complain about hair loss.

[lms0006]

Been on Coumadin since AFib no hair loss or other side effects.