Proton Pump Inhibitors, hair loss and weight gain.
Posted , 4 users are following.
I’d like to start an up to date discussion on a possible link between PPIs, hair loss and weight gain.
I’ve been on 80mg per day of Pantoprazole, since February. ( For oesophageal ulcers due to NSAIDS) Since Feb I’ve gained over a stone, even though I eat light and exercise daily. More alarmingly my hair has been falling out in large amounts for the last 3 weeks. I’d noticed a small bald patch, but it escalated quickly. On researching, I’ve discovered many other people seem to have one of both of these side effects. The ulcers are healed, and I stopped taking the PPIs 2 weeks ago. The hair loss is slowing down and there are numerous new hairs growing. Seems more than a coincidence given other people’s experiences, but I’d like to hear some current sufferers, is it just me ?
I’ve been taking a magnesium Citrate supplement as well as the supplements I was taking anyway, realising that all my nutrient levels were probably quite low. I knew my magnesium levels were low before I even started on PPIs.
Anyone with the hair loss had it grow back ? I’m hopeful, but I think if this problem is so wide spread, and seems to have a decades worth of known issues in this area, surely patients should be warned and the information be included on the contraindications leaflet. Losing your hair can be mentally damaging. It is more than just vanity in my opinion.
I’m a 46 year old woman, for identification purposes.
2 likes, 2 replies
rita06235 nicci02160
Posted
I have been taking for ten years. On diclofenac sodium for 12 years initially just before PPI meds were always given with nsaids. So never got prescribed. Had three duodenal ulcers, gastritis and oesophagitis so nsaids stopped and PPI started. Coincided with menopause so doctor attributed to that so hrt. Now have bald top and very thin hair all over. Diagnosed with bronchiectasis so advised to increase dose to twice a day and hair noticeably more brittle. My doctor is testing for low thyroid anaemia etc but I think its the PPI medication. I have tried to complete a yellow side effect report but it is so long and complex that I gave up. Therefore it continues to be listed as a RARE side effect rather than (I believe) a major issue.
I spend a lot of money on hair products. I now use MANE intended for men which is a spray microfibre. Without this I would not go out. I am going to stop taking the PPI and limit my food intake to try and avoid reflux. If any hair regrows I will let you know. I would have been very reluctant to take this medication had I known this information. I would have stopped it had I realised that this was the cause, what I dont know now is whether it will ever grow again after taking it for so long.
The UK drug licencing authority should make reporting issues much easier for the public and require the drug companies to demonstrate it is not their product causing the issue by checking with users rather than requiring individuals to have to look for other people to check whether problems are rare or not.
nicci02160 rita06235
Posted
Hi !!
Sorry for the late reply, yes I yellow carded Pantoprazole, last year, not easy !!
I was diagnosed with another ulcer last month, was put on Omeprazole ..... I took them for a week, hair was in distress almost immediately . Horribled drugs. I wish you well, I've had nothing but trouble on PPI drugs, I just eat an imflammortary diet and drink aloe vera juice and eat manuka honey.
I hate typing on this forum, it's like using an old Nokia.
Nic