Blood thinners
Otherwise known as anticoagulant medicines by the NHS, they are given to people to help prevent blood clots.
Mistakenly, people might believe they thin the blood, they do not; instead, they interrupt the formation of blood clots inside blood vessels.
The most commonly prescribed anticoagulant is called warfarin, and a possible side effect includes hair loss.
There are other anticoagulants available, such as:
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- Apixaban (Eliquis)
- Edoxaban (Lixiana)
READ MORE: Hair loss treatment: Green tea can prevent balding and increases hair growth
Again, there are various types of anti-depressants, so if one isn’t working for you, it’s best to have a conversation with your GP.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers block the hormone adrenaline, thereby slowing down the heart.
It’s prescribed for a variety of conditions, such as:
- Angina
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
The leaflet placed into your medication box should tell you all the possible side effects that a specific drug may cause.
If you believe your hair loss is linked to your prescribed medication, and it bothers you, tell your doctor about your concerns.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that help to lower the amount of “bad” cholesterol floating in your bloodstream.
There are five types of statins available on prescription in the UK:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Pravastatin (Lipostat)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
In addition to taking medication to lower cholesterol levels, it’s highly advised by the NHS to:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Stop smoking
Do not believe that once you’ve been prescribed medication that you’re only option is to put up with negative side effects – options are available.
