Swelling a reaction to meds

My blood pressure medicine was recently switched to Cozaar. After taking my pills this morning, my mouth and tongue swelled up so I could barely talk. Could my medicine have done this?

Cozaar (losartan) is a very effective blood pressure medicine, with relatively few side effects. Some people, however, are susceptible to a reaction called angioedema. Typically, this is characterized by swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. It can rapidly turn into a life-threatening emergency if the airway becomes blocked.

Certain other blood pressure drugs such as Accupril (quinapril), Altace (ramipril), Benicar (olmesartan), Diovan (valsartan), enalapril and lisinopril can also trigger angioedema. Please let your doctor know about this serious reaction immediately.

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I am convinced that hormone replacement is contributing to my hair loss, along with medications for cholesterol and blood pressure. Some of my friends also are complaining. One is on Prempro, another takes natural hormones and blood pressure medicine. My doctor seems unconcerned.

Hundreds of medications can contribute to hair thinning or loss. You are right that hormones such as Premarin and Prempro can trigger this problem. So can blood pressure pills such as atenolol, metoprolol and verapamil. Some cholesterol-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (Zocor) also have been linked to hair loss.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. www.peoplespharmacy.com