Has anyone experienced hair loss while taking warfarin?

[Donnac70]

[warfarin1]

I have no personal experience but many women email/write to ACE saying that they have this problem. The doctors say it is rare but it is more common than they think, and it can be very distressing.

[Hidden]

Donnac70. I am sorry to say that about 50% of warfarin takers experience this, that is the male half of our community, like me, but I have no evidence that the two are connected. For men however it is part of normal life but for ladies it must be very distressing. Perhaps in the not too distant future the trend away from Warfarin towards the newer anticoagulant medications will provide a solution. I hope so.

[Donnac70 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that, I haven't experienced this personally. I put the question on for a friend who experienced a post op pulmonary embolism a couple of months ago. She has to take warfarin for 6 months and has noticed her hair is thinning quite considerably, she is really worried about it.

[darceynjo in reply to Donnac70]

Hi Donna, I have been taking warfarin for about a month now and have noticed that my hair comes out in the hairbrush much more than it did before. I have also started itching all over my body and it drives you mad this I have been told is a side effect as well. Julia xx

[flowerpower21]

Hello Donnac70 and all, I too have experienced thinning hair and I have been on Warfarin since 2002. Yes it is distressing being a woman and this happening - but I have taken to having hair extensions to make my hair look that bit thicker... Also the extra sensitive skin with itching can flare up now and again for me... I have gotten to the stage that I don't and can't use any type me soap on my skin but occasionally use an emollient called Cetraben which I have on prescription from my doctor. Thankfully I have never worn make up so I don't have that added complication either! But I must add that because my skin is so sensitive I no longer use normal moisturisers... Again I use the Cetraben one... I hope your friend gets some sort of comfort from our info.... Take care and the best of luck to you all...

[maejane]

hi, my answer is yes, but your gp will always say no, I was first on warfarin in 1997 for 6 months and it drove me crazy but the worst thing was hair loss I was only 24 I had thick brown wavy hair that went dull limp and very thin, I couldnt wait to stop the medication but then in 2009 I needed to be on long term warfarin I asked my Consultant about the concerns and he agreed that I change to phenindione wish didnt have the side effects of warfarin, but this drug is no no longer available and am now on rivaraxoban wish has the same aide effects, now I am 40 and although distressing I know without it I wouldnt be here I dont know about the other drugs available but I think that most have this side effect sorry

[DataOdyssey]

Yes, I have suffered considerable hair loss which coincided with my being on long term Warfarin. I started Warfarin Therapy around 2004. I used to have a full head of rich long hair - in fact I had a long ponytail as well. Then 3 years ago, I noticed I was beginning to loose a lot more hair than usual. I even developed sparse patches where there shouldn't have been any. In the end, I gave up and shaved it all off. I've been wearing the "chrome dome" look ever since. On the plus side, getting rid of my hair's allegedly lopped 10 years off my looks. I do note however, problems with infected hair follicles. Really odd, that.

[rachelsjulia]

I also suffered hair loss personally but I haven't tried using that. I have taken such vitamins for hair loss at Reloxe and It helped me to grow back my falling hair!

[bloodthinners]

Yes, and my doctors have no idea. Diet is good, 60 year old male, I sure hope I'm not bald by 61. I was told I will have to take warfarin for the the rest of my life because I am now considered a clotter. I've had hair down to my mid back since the 60's. Seem like a really frigging way to go. Good luck and keep shopping buddy. There has to be a doctor or suppliment to help. Cheers!

[Chriswheel]

Yes. I am going through it right now and am very frustrated.