Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) and Hairloss
Hi Dr Rassman, Sir does proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole causes telogen effluvium? Or does PPI increase hair fall in a person with androgenic alopecia?
Aside from what you may read in drug insert labels noting all the possible side effects, I personally have not seen hair loss from PPI. Androgenic alopecia and PPI possible side effects are unrelated.
I have been taking 20mg PPI for the last ten years to counteract the side effects of Diabetic tablets Metformin and other pain relief tablets. I noticed my hair was thinning and was concerned. Spoke to my GP who told me it was not connected to Omeprazole.
The need for painkillers passed and the need to continue PPI in relation them stopped.
Later I came off Metformin for about 7 months. During this time my hairdresser noticed I had a short stubble of new hair growth. I have now had to go back on Metformin and Omeprazole and my hair loss is increasing to the stage I am becoming very concerned. My new GP accepts the hair loss may well be associated with taking Omeprazole and is offering to change to another PPI. I would be very grateful for any advice you could give me.
Many thanks Hilda Dobson