Get Informed: Cozaar
Active Ingredient(s)
Losartan
What does it do?
This product is primarily used to treat hypertension, as well as in the treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetic nephropathy. It works by blocking the action of Angiotensin II, a chemical which plays an important role in controlling blood pressure.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-21 12:59 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Cozaar
- Losartan
- Losartan Potassium
- Cozaril
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- D
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its risks in pregnancy.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 14 Apr 1995
- Est US Patients*
- 2,357,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Cozaar or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Cozaar
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Cozaar during the past year.
Cozaar Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Cozaar used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 15,700 patients that use Cozaar (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 93% | 
|
| Kidney Protection | 13% |
|
| Heart Failure/Edema | 6% |
|
How well does Cozaar work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 15,700 users taking Cozaar (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 82%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Cozaar outweigh the bad things.
- 7%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Cozaar.
Common Side Effects of Cozaar
iGuard regularly polls our more than 15,700 users taking Cozaar (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
14% of patients experience side-effects on Cozaar
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Cozaar
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Dizziness
-
Drowsiness
-
Fatigue
-
Chest Pain/Tightness
-
Palpitations
-
High Blood Pressure
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Mood/Behavior Changes, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Swelling/Edema
Global Patient Feedback for Cozaar (Losartan) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Does taking Cozaar effect sexual performance? Since taking it over 2 years ago I have had occasional bouts of ED.
57 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-07 09:02:54
Question/Comment:
I have been on Cozaar for less then a year for high blood pressure and angina. The cardiologist has just increased my dose to 100 mg daily. I have to take it at night (his suggestion) because of the lightheadedness. I am also on coumadin for DVT. I have noticed bruising on different places on my body and more pronouced swelling of my leg with the DVT in it. Is this a definite side effect from Cozaar? I have not been happy with the drug since starting it this year. Do all ARBs have the same side effects?
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-18 10:01:21
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Bruising and more pronounced swelling is not a side effect of the Cozaar. All ARBs work about the same, but your body may tolerate different ones better than others due to slight differences in their chemical structure. Increased bruising can be a sign that your Coumadin dose is too high, and increased swelling could indicate an issue with the DVT. You need to contact your physician as soon as possible to have the DVT and your blood levels checked.
Posted: 2009-09-24 10:04:44
Question/Comment:
Is it O K to take cozaar every other day? 50 Mlg work for me but causes small blood vessels in my hands and arms to break. It does not hurt but looks so awful I must wear long sleeves even in Florida where I live. I am a female age 75
75 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-08 16:54:49
Answer/Reply:
Has anyone taking Cozaar noticed blood spots on hands and arms which clear up and then return over and over? I also take synthroid. I recently hac swelling of my ankles and feet and lower legs and now have tingling and no feeling in several finger tips. Anyone else having these synptoms?
75 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-17 15:43:58
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Approximately 1% of patients taking Cozaar reported each one of the side effects (rash, swelling, tingling) while taking the medication during the clinical trials. Each side effect was reported independently from the manufacturer as a reported symptom in patients taking the Cozaar. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek a followup medical evaluation from your treating doctor.
Posted: 2010-02-18 20:23:24
Question/Comment:
does cozaar cause significant hair loss and scalp itching?
66 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-02 02:09:56
iGuard Answer/Reply:
A small percent, less than 1%, reported hair loss and urticaria, which is a rash with hives. Hair loss and scalp itching is not typical with this drug. There may be other issues going on, and it would be wise to speak with your doctor.
Posted: 2009-09-04 11:41:40
Answer/Reply:
I bet it does cause hair loss. It states on here that approx. 1% will suffer from this side effect. I am sure it is more but they will not say. They said and still do say the same thing about Metoprolol Tartrate that I have been on since July '05 because of an aneurysm on or near my aortic root. My doctor at Mayo here in Jacksonville, FL is thinking about putting me on this Losartan (cozaar). I see him in a few weeks. The literature on Cozaar says the same thing that it does on Metoprolol.....it can cause hair loss. I am trying to get to the bottom of this HORRIBLE side effect. No one ever answers me when I ask if there is something in these meds or is it what they do to the body is what causes the HAIR LOSS and scalp itching as well. Most doctors take the attitude, better to lose your hair than your life. WOW, what a nice answer. I am sick about this loss of hair I have and still am experiencing. Doctors don't care unless you are a relative of theirs. I WANT SOME HELP WITH THIS. NO ONE EVER ANSWERS...Heck, maybe they don't know. Take care and I understand how you feel. Christine in Florida
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-14 12:47:08
Answer/Reply:
I am taking losartan and amiodarone and have hair loss which has gradually got worse. It started about 6 months after starting the meds. my hair is not thining but receeding. its really distressing but docs dont see the stress its causing me. I would like to know if anyone else has same problem.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-10 02:30:16
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Amiodarone does cause alopecia, or hair loss, in some patients. It is an uncommon side effect, but it is one that has been reported. Losartan does not have reports of causing hair loss. Try to discuss your symptoms and explaining in detail the stress you are having as a result to your physicians. The stress is not good for your condition either and can adversely affect you.
Posted: 2009-12-11 10:00:19
Question/Comment:
i took this product back in 1996 and it caused a very bad cough that i could not get rid of and
a rash. my Doctor took me off of it after being on it for 3yrs.
67 yr old female
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-08-20 19:22:45
Answer/Reply:
I was on Lisinopril up to about one year ago. I had developed a cough and some chest congestion. My PA said I was probably allergic to the Lisinopril and switched me to Losartan and problems seem to be resolved. I take one 50mg a day. Just had double by-pass heart surgery on 08/19/09. Male 71.
72 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-03 20:17:31
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61
Patient Comments about
Cozaar