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:
- 2009-Nov-20 8:05 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:52 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*
- 2,207,000
- 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 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.org is currently tracking more than 12,900 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 | 88% | 
|
| Kidney Protection | 14% |
|
| Heart Failure / Edema | 5% |
|
| Other | 4% |
|
How well does Cozaar work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 12,900 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)
- 80%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Cozaar outweigh the bad things.
- 21%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Cozaar.
Common Side Effects of Cozaar
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 12,900 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.
23% of patients experience side-effects on Cozaar
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Cozaar
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Fatigue
-
Seizures
-
Bloating/Gas
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Bruising, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Frequent Urination, Swelling/Edema, Weakness
Global Patient Feedback for Cozaar (Losartan) ( Post a comment )
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?
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-18 10:01:21
iGuard.org 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 Male
Posted: 2009-09-08 16:54:49
Question/Comment:
does cozaar cause significant hair loss and scalp itching?
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-02 02:09:56
iGuard.org 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
Posted: 2009-09-14 12:47:08
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
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
Posted: 2009-09-03 20:17:31
Question/Comment:
I started taking Altace 3 years ago, 5 mg. at the time to prevent a risk of stroke I was told since I was diagnosed with Aortic valve regurgitation and carotid artery problems which, by taking my cholesterol medications as directed and watching my diet have since been resolved.
The valve problem is not of course but I have no symptoms and continue to have it checked yearly and medications do help to stop the progression of calcium buildup on the valve...Very important.
I asked to be switched to anything but Altace about a year ago because it was ruining my life. I could not stay awake no matter what time of day it was, this drug made me So Tired! I did not call this quality of life at all and refused to continue on it.
I was prescribed Cozaar 50 mg. and I was amazed at the difference. I am a new person and do not have the tiredness on a 50 mg dosage. I however do have more fluid buildup in my legs and ankles and on my side which went away on the Altace but is more of a problem on the Cozaar again. But I feel more alert and to avoid the fluid problem I keep a watch on Sodium intake. That is key for me. I hope this will help someone.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-18 13:03:25
Answer/Reply:
I was diagnose with lupus 9yrs ago and was on plaquenil, i read this up plaquenil was given to patients with malaria,now they are giving it to us for lupus. the side effect sucks big time i 've been off it for 9mths now and is doing well with my juicing of fruits and vegetables, and herbs and vitamins,but if you having one of the side effects which is hair loss you should contact your doctor immediately that what it says . dont take any chances. This is your body and your head. Believe me when i say put God first and in charge and and you go probably try or get on something much different that this drug . I am not telling you to get of it right away,everyone is different but i'm off it because since i moved to Georgia i've no health insurance and the doctors here are not like New York doctors ,no insurance no treatment, so i didnt have a choice in the matter. My lungs filled up with fluid and i've had problems breathing ,walking up and down stairs., but until i can get health insurance i do the best but call your doctor . I strongly advice you to do that.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-25 00:07:24
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Patient Comments about
Cozaar