Hair loss

[GrannyE]

What can I do about excessive hair loss on Apixaban 2.5 x 2 daily and 8mg candesartan. I take good multi vits etc.

[ForensicFairy]

I’m sorry you’re experiencing hair loss. Are you sure it’s a side affect of the drugs? I’m on both apixaban and candesartan but at higher doses, plus a couple others and my hair is still very thick and growing like crazy at the moment.

Hormones caused mine to thin a little a few years ago but HRT stopped this.

Have you spoken to your doctor about the hair loss?

[GrannyE in reply to ForensicFairy]

no have not spoken to doctor but I am on HRT.

[FraserB]

A few years back I experienced a lot of hair loss. My doctor first did blood tests and also sent me to a dermatologist. It's best you get tested first because there are so many conditions that can cause it. From iron deficiency, thyroid problems, zinc and vitamin D levels, stress, aging (hormones), lack of protein in your diet plus your diet overall, genetics and of course medications.

[GrannyE in reply to FraserB]

thx. I take iron with whole vit c 4 times a week as well as Vit D and zinc and have protein but I have been very stressed lately

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to GrannyE]

If I have any stress my hair can fall out a bit more than usual. Catering for family Christmas day stressed me, so hence mine has fallen out a bit lately. Fortunately I can now see new hair growth. Have a look and see if you have new hair growing. I can see mine when I lift up my fringe. If you can see that, then stop worrying. If you can't see any then go to your GP for advice.

A friend recommended Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine shampoo, after a few weeks of using that mine is ok again now.

Jean

[Gowers in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for the recommendation Jean - I'm going to try it. Stopped Amiodarone 10 days ago on suggestion of my cardiologist (like you once mentioned I think it's causing side effects) as it's given me a slight tremor & the last thyroid blood test was slightly raised. Beem told it can take Up to 100days before it cleares system. Given Bisoporal low dose to take if needed.

[BobD Volunteer]

Hair loss is an oft mentioned effect of anticoagulation I'm afraid. That said we are all different and many are unaffected. MY hair is as good as ever as my barber will attest but my nails became and remain brittle since starting warfarin some 20 years ago. Split and chipped nails are a way of life now.

[ForensicFairy in reply to BobD]

Just out of interest, my mother who died of heart and renal failure over 26 years ago, always had brittle nails. Her nails were very thin and she had ridges running the length of her nails. She suffered her first cardiac arrest at 38 year of age (so around 1971), when I was only 5. I have no idea of her nails were like this prior to this time.

However, my nails were also marked with vertical ridges, have always been very thin and able to bent down, and they split vertically (not across the nail) very easily. This was noticed long before my heart issues and diagnoses of a genetically inherited heart condition.

Anecdotal of course but I wonder if it’s linked to a heart not performing perfectly or something else, rather than medications. Or it’s simply just genetics?

[Ducky2003 in reply to ForensicFairy]

Hi. I'm a Foot Health Practitioner so used to checking folks toenails for any issues. Vertical ridges (technical term onychorrhexis) are more usually associated with age or dietary deficiencies or sometimes thyroid issues.

Horizontal lines, or Beau's Lines, tend to be the more worrisome ones for major health conditions. They can even indicate when an issue may have started, using the growth rate to measure when the lines appeared.

[ForensicFairy in reply to Ducky2003]

Thanks. I have no dietary deficiencies or thyroid issues. I have very thick healthy hair, but my nails have never been great.

[pusillanimous in reply to ForensicFairy]

Funny how we are different, I have fine straight quite thin hair, but my finger nails are like weapons of war - they grow at an alarming rate and are so hard I could easily gouge someone's eyes out. My toe nails not so strong, because I always paint them and that is not good for them

[Ducky2003 in reply to pusillanimous]

You are right about the polish but you can buy breathable nail polish, which is better. I'd still recommend you giving your nails a break now and again, especially in Winter when they are more likely to be out of sight. 😊

[ForensicFairy in reply to pusillanimous]

It is interesting isn’t it. It’s why I think it’s mainly genetics. I don’t paint finger or toe nails, and yet I bleach my hair, put stuff on it, blow dry it and straighten it and it’s incredibly healthy! Genetics has a major role in our lives - I wouldn’t have a heart issue without it.

[GrannyE in reply to BobD]

I find that magnesium complex taken with whole Vit C in the evening means I have very strong nails. I take my iron with more whole Vit C in the morning cos you cannot take iron and mag together

[kayberry]

I can definitely agree 100% the marked hair loss which began after taking Eliquis. Was only change in my life and it continues to fall out as I still take Apixaban for about 5 years now. I wonder if it will ever stop or just keep getting thinner until none is left. Seems there are no alternatives to anti coagulants except Watchman implant which I investigated and declined. I hate all the restrictions associated with Apixaban, as in nothing available for pain except Tylenol which does not help my pain and can take no supplements for inflammation.. very disappointing…..

[wilsond in reply to kayberry]

Yes I am sad not to be able to take more effective pain/inflammation relief too. With you there!

[JGBH in reply to kayberry]

Hi, May I ask about all the restrictions you mention which are associated with Apixaban? I have been recently diagnosed with Atrial Fillibration and this has been prescribed as well as Betablockers. I have not started taking it yet, so would be interested to know about your or anyone else’s experience of using this drug. Thank you.

[GrannyE in reply to JGBH]

The only painkiller I am allowed is Panadol/paracetemol. Would sometimes love to take ibroprofen etc but cannot

[JGBH in reply to GrannyE]

Thank you for replying. I had read this. Not great when in much pain. Take care.

[kayberry in reply to JGBH]

I wanted to take curcumin which is similar to Tumeric which is tremendous inflammation fighter… can’t because it thins your blood… I read and pharmacists confirm : “if you take apixaban (Eliquis), you cannot take ANYTHING that thins your blood…. Most painkillers also thin blood, as does biotin for hair loss.

[GrannyE in reply to kayberry]

Oh dear I have been taking ubiquinol for years. Will continue to take it. There is also a trace amount of biotin in my multi vit which I take daily. Don’t think it is doing any harm. Maybe the biotin might in a larger dose

[JGBH in reply to kayberry]

Thank you for your reply. I was aware one could not take either turmeric or curcumin when on anticoagulants but did not know about biotin…. I take a B complex supplement containing biotin … so must I stop taking this? I have been losing my hair over the past year, got slightly better but hair falling again. So without B complex and more importantly Biotin…I will probably lose all my hair.

[Auriculaire in reply to JGBH]

Turmeric in food is fine. Do you really think that Indians who are put on anticoagulants are told not to cook with turmeric which most Indians will use in cooking regularly? Or Chinese people told not to cook with ginger? Or garlic? I have never even been asked by my doctor whether I cook with garlic let alone to restrict it's use. There are umpteen natural substances found in food that have blood thinning properties .

[JGBH in reply to Auriculaire]

Do you have AFib? I would assume so since you use ‘Auriculaire’ as your nom de plume… but just checking.

As for doctors they have not got a clue… What I understand is that turmeric should not be used. Although it is less risky to take with newer types of anticoagulants. Same with Broccoli, spinach and asparagus … but as part of a natural diet, as foods, it is ok, it is when one take them as supplements.

To be honest I am just starting to find my way regarding AFib and the dreadful anticoagulants and Betablockers. Have you changed your diet at all?

[ForensicFairy in reply to Auriculaire]

I think there is a bit of a difference in turmeric as part of a normal diet (or garlic or anything else) and a supplement. Supplements are usually much, much higher concentration than what you’d consume by adding turmeric or garlic to your cooking.

[kayberry in reply to JGBH]

Hello JGBH,

Restrictions would be "anything that thins your blood" (which is many, many supplements, foods, etc.) you cannot take if you take an anti-coagulant. No pain relievers except Tylenol (I think called panadol in UK) and it is like drinking water for pain.... nothing else with apixaban... nothing... I have kidney stones, so sooner or later, going to have something stronger than Tylenol. Most of the supplements for inflammation are a "no no!" It is very frustrating, but seems there is no choice if we aren't to have a stroke.

PS I only have a couple of short-lived afib episodes per year, so I am very interested in finding out about the study that might recommend taking apixaban only a few days AFTER these episodes (I catch them simultaneously with my Iwatch and implanted recorder so I know when I have them) and not have to take apixaban 365 days a year.

[Buffafly in reply to kayberry]

I have found with Apixaban that my hair breaks easily but is not actually falling out. I can see new hair growth. I have spells when it is worse than other times which I think correlates with physical or mental stress.

[GrannyE in reply to Buffafly]

Ihave been under enormous stress recently cos my husband of 57 years died recently

[pusillanimous]

I found I lost hair on Apixaban but I do not on Rivaroxaban. I'm sure it was the Apixaban because I was taking Rivaroxaban and then changed to Apixaban because I read it was better for AF patients. I was losing a lot of hair, I did not associate the two until I went back to Rivaroxaban because Apaxiban gave me heartburn. Back on Rivaroxaban the hair loss normalised

[kayberry in reply to pusillanimous]

Thanks for that info; I will speak with my physician for new script for Rivaroxaban.

[Jasper18]

Hi, have you looked into a Biotin supplement? You may not have a Biotin defiance per se, however, my understanding is that a low dosage of Biotin is very tolerable, without side effects, with any excess amounts easily filtered through the body naturally. Biotin has been shown to help hair / nail growth. Please note, I am not medically qualified and this information is only what I’ve picked up from my own personal research and experience. Worth having a read! Good luck!

[wilsond in reply to Jasper18]

Yes just advised on this. I checked with consultant regarding this,and was approved.

[kayberry in reply to Jasper18]

I was told that biotin thins blood… was afraid to try it.

[AmandaLouise77]

I take a biotin and collagen supplement which has improved my hair, it was thinning previously. However my curly hair is now just slightly wavy.

[GrannyE in reply to AmandaLouise77]

I too take marine collagen

[Ducky2003]

I've experienced the same. Plantur 39 shampoo does help, especially with making the hair feel thicker.

[Gowers in reply to Ducky2003]

I'm going to try that shampoo- thanks for the information

[Ducky2003 in reply to Gowers]

Make sure you massage it into the scalp for a couple of minutes as it suggests. It feels a bit strange when you put it on but, I think it makes a difference.I only use the shampoo, not the conditioner or tonic stuff.

I don't use it all of the time, just when I think it's changed in fullness. I ordinarily use Redken.

[Jishuang44]

Have you just started on these drugs or have you been on them for a while? I had bad hair loss after starting on 6 new drugs simultaneously last Spring & having an ICD fitted. I am on Carvedilol, Rivaroxaban, Ramipiril, Amiadarone and Spironalactone. My GP thought that the hair loss was most likely due to the Ramipiril or Amiadarone. I have been taking extra zinc, iron and biotin on the recommendation of my hairdresser and using the shampoo Plantur 39, and my hair is now back to normal (it took about 5 months).

[kayberry in reply to Jishuang44]

Apixaban and estrogen patch are only meds I take, and hair loss started after adding apixaban; had been on estrogen for years. So I am able to narrow down the cause to being apixaban (Eliquis).

[GrannyE in reply to Jishuang44]

Has Plantur 39 shampoo got any SLS in it because I am horribly allergic to it?

[Gowers in reply to Jishuang44]

I am also on Rivaroxaban & Amiodarone & notice how thin my hair is now. Hairdresser said her gran was on Rivaroxaban & her hair also became thinner

[wilsond]

Morning!Stress won't help of course . I find I see more hair on my brush for a while then it slows down again .

I take biotin supplement tablets. I checked with my consultant regarding this.

I'm on Apixaban,Flecanide, Losartan, Rosuvastatin,furosomide,Evacal and alendronic acid.

I find the biotin helps a lot once it's in your system. Supports healthy hair skin and nails.

I also use dry shampoo sometimes and otherwise Charles Worthington shampoo,conditioner and mousse.

Hope the cause of the stress lessens. I am undergoing the same.

Best wishes ❤️

[AsparagusLover in reply to wilsond]

Agree about Biotin. Convinced loss caused by Apixaban cos that’s all I take now, after ablation apart from Amlodapine & Avorvastatin which I’ve taken for 10 years with no hair loss. QED!

[Countrydweller2]

On Apixaban my hair matted in the shower, it was a nightmare, so I don't use shampoo, just a good conditioner.

[GrannyE in reply to Countrydweller2]

Yes it does Matt up and I have to be very careful with it when wet

[southkorea]

Take biotin every day. The best thing for hair!! X x

[LaceyLady]

Well, I believed my hair loss was down to Apixaban and was on 5mg x2 per day. I bought Elvive shampoo and conditioner to help. There is one that supposedly helps, but my hairdresser was not convinced. Hopefully when your body becomes used to Apixaban it might lessen. I’ve had an ablation so reduced my dose to 2.5mg per day, a just in case dose.

[GrannyE in reply to LaceyLady]

I have 2.5 twice a day. It was 5mg x 2 for 4 years but the 2.5 x 2 for 2 years now so should be used to it by now.

[LaceyLady in reply to LaceyLady]

I have family history of strokes, both grand Ma and dad. GMa was paralysed till she passed in her 70’s dad died at 50 😭 So, taking the 2.5mg x2 a day

[Carnationmac]

I’m on both medication, I used to have the thickest curliest hair. Now it’s straight and very thin.

I had it checked by GP and dermatologist, unfortunately for me it’s the anticoagulant (Apixaban) that is causing it. Hey ho just one of those things.

[GrannyE in reply to Carnationmac]

I always think that thinning hair is better than a stroke but I hate it being somewhat vain!

[Carnationmac in reply to GrannyE]

Absolutely, I had AF for years before being diagnosed, lots of monitors, lots of ECGs nothing picked it up, then out of the blue the hospital caught it, when they told me to go on anticoagulants, I didn’t hesitate. I was told I was lucky I’d not had a stroke as it was permanent AF, agreed with EP. I’d rather lose some hair than suffer a stroke.

[RajaRua]

Hi Granny, I am taking Collagen Peptides by Natures Plus to try to improve the quality of my hair and to help to stop it falling out. It’s an unholy mess! I can’t believe how dry it is, especially in the front. I’m on my third jumbo box (240 capsules) but no change in my hair but my nails are much stronger and growing very fast!! A friend is taking them to help her joints to help with osteoporosis. Her hair looks so lush and shiny!! As someone said we are all so different and also I believe the state of our hair and nails is genetic especially as we age. Let us know if you find a miracle cure though. Please!!🐇😊

[Desertflowerchild]

My thinning hair is not caused by apixaban or any medication. I use rosemary oil on my scalp and I think it has helped -- at least the thinning has halted, if not reversed. In any case, even if it is not working as well as I want, I enjoy the smell of rosemary oil.

[Tiffanylamp]

Gp says my hair loss could be the beta blocker (Bisoprolol) & / or Ramipril.