Feb 14, 2019
Chloe asked
Does simvastatin cause hair loss??
At a glance
- Zocor (simvastatin) has been associated with hair loss, but it appears uncommon. If hair loss occurs, it generally will begin a few months after starting the drug and is reversible upon stopping.
Answer
Zocor (simvastatin), a 'statin' medication used to lower cholesterol, has been associated with hair loss (also known as alopecia), but published data shows that it is relatively uncommon.
The prescribing information for simvastatin notes that hair loss was not observed during clinical trials for the drug, but rather only during 'post-marketing experience'
References
- Elsevier ClinicalKey: Zocor Monograph (Accessed 2/13/19)
- Elsevier ClinicalKey: Pravachol Monograph (Accessed 2/13/19)
- Hair loss in psychopharmacology. PubMed
- Diffuse hair loss: its triggers and management. PubMed
- Pravachol Prescribing Information
- Zocor Prescribing Information
- Alopecia associated with atorvastatin. The American Journal of Medicine
