Q: I am a 59-year-old woman who started experiencing heavy hair loss and skin problems several months ago. My hair became extremely dry and brittle and started falling out and breaking off. Whiteheads and fluid-filled bumps started appearing on my face.
After asking my pharmacist and doctor if these problems could be caused by any medications I was taking and being told ‘no’, I asked to have my thyroid checked. When the blood work results were normal, I started trying to determine the cause myself. I looked back to see what might have changed around the time both these problems started and realized that I began taking Simvastatin about that time. I stopped the drug and in less than a week, I was no longer finding clumps of hair in the shower drain and the bumps and whitehead on my face were disappearing. I then started taking Biotin and using the Tresemme shampoo which you have talked about previously in your column. One month later my skin is clear and my hair is in the best shape ever. The bald spots are filling in and my hair is silky and shiny. Simvastatin caused big changes in my hair and skin in a few short months but it appears the side effects are reversible if you stop taking it.
A: I congratulate you on taking charge of something no one else did. The investigation may have taken some time but you stuck with it and took matters in your own hands.
Simvastatin is a statin drug prescribed to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing those levels of good cholesterol known as high density lipoproteins. The product is also used to lower a person’s risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and cardiac complications in those who suffer from diabetes. Other medications that can interact with Simvastatin are anti-fungals, specific antibiotics, drugs taken for hepatitis C, those taken for a number of heart conditions, and more. Is there a possibility you had a crossover effect that reacted so harshly?
Known side effects of Simvastatin may include constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and a myriad of complaints related to the common cold. The incidence of hair loss or thinning of the hair and issues related to eczema/a pruritic rash/ purpura are either unknown or unreported according to Drugs.com. So, while you suffered from less common symptoms, you were able to make the connection.
Your physician would not have put you on a statin had you not had a high cholesterol levels or a cardiac issue that he or she felt required lower counts as more desirable. I urge you to return to your doctor to discuss the issue. While statins are effective for many, no one should have to suffer the symptoms you did. Perhaps there is an alternative you can take or diet modifications you can make to lower your levels naturally. Products such as over-the-counter Cholest Off, CholesLo. niacin, psyllium or others may be given a try. Ask your doctor to work with you. If this is impossible, ask for a referral to another physician, a naturopath, or an herbalist. While unproven products may be recommended, you might give them a brief try. If, however, they fail to lower your levels which could be dangerously high, you should return to your physician for guidance, as long as the recommendation isn’t for a statin drug!
