Does Pravastatin cause hair loss?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Does Pravastatin cause hair loss?
Pravastatin may or may not cause hair loss in some individuals. This side effect is considered a rare one and it affects less than 5% of the population taking this medication.
The exact reason why this happens in some people is not fully known, but experts believe that it has something to do with cholesterol reduction. Cholesterol is an important precursor for the synthesis of a number of steroidal hormones which may play an important role in your hair growth.
Since Pravastatin blocks cholesterol, the production of such hormones could be affected, as a result of which some people end up losing hair. However, hair loss with Pravastatin is not significant.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the harmful effects of Pravastatin on hair growth. While hair loss is listed as a possible side effect of this Statin, it is considered rare and occurs in a small number of individuals (1,2).
In some cases, hair loss may be influenced by other factors such as age, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions. In healthy individuals, this side effect is quite uncommon. However, Pravastatin can cause weight loss in some people, which can also contribute to hair loss.
Generally, other Statins like Atorvastatin are more commonly associated with hair loss or hair thinning (3) – as compared to Pravastatin.
If you are experiencing hair loss while taking Pravastatin, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and discuss potential alternatives or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Is Pravastatin-induced hair loss reversible?
Pravastatin-induced hair loss is reversible. Some people may start to recover once their bodies adjust to the medication. However, it might not be the case for everyone.
Some people who do suffer from this side effect may continue to lose hair as long as their treatment continues. Once the medication is stopped, their hair growth eventually starts to go back to normal.
If it has been a while and you continue to lose hair, even after stopping the medication, talk to your healthcare provider.
What to do if Pravastatin causes hair loss?
If Pravastatin causes hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine the best possible way to minimise the side effect while maintaining the efficacy of the treatment.
If dose reduction could be considered, your doctor will most likely opt for it. If your hair loss is severe, your doctor will suggest whether you should continue to use Pravastatin or not.
As far as hair loss reversal is concerned, it is not a difficult thing as the drug does not damage your hair growth permanently. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe you medications like Minoxidil to accelerate your hair growth.
However, there are some things that you can try on your own to enhance your hair growth like using hair growth oils, taking multivitamins, etc.
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References
1.-
Sidhu G, Sapra A. Pravastatin. 2023 Mar 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31869085. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551621
2.-
McTavish D, Sorkin EM. Pravastatin. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in hypercholesterolaemia. Drugs. 1991 Jul;42(1):65-89. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199142010-00005. Erratum in: Drugs 1991 Dec;42(6):944. PMID: 1718686. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1718686/
3.-
Segal AS. Alopecia associated with atorvastatin. Am J Med. 2002 Aug 1;113(2):171. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9343(02)01135-x. Available from: https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(02)01135-X/fulltext
