Simvastatin and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Simvastatin is a drug which is used to lower cholesterol. It belongs to a class of drugs commonly called "statins." Simvastatin is used in patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes or with a history of stroke.

Side Effects

• Some of the side effects that are associated with this medication are anemia, headaches, dizziness, weakness, hepatitis, rashes, itching and hair loss.

Hair Growth Cycle

• In the cycle of hair growth, there is a three to four year growing stage called the anagen phase. In the telogen phase which follows, the hair rests for a period of about three months. At the end of this cycle the hair falls out and is replaced. Taking Simvastatin, or other types of medication, can cause hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle.

Discontinuing Medication

• If hair loss is due to taking a medication, such as Simvastatin, the hair loss is reversible and stops when the medication is discontinued.