Cozaar Side Effects

With almost any drug used for a disorder, disease or health issue, there are side effects. Some are extremely minor, others relatively severe. Cozaar is no different.

Identification

• Cozaar is an angiotensin receptor blocker typically prescribed to individuals suffering from hypertension--most commonly referred to as high blood pressure--by keeping the blood vessel from narrowing. While Cozaar is mostly used for this purpose, people have also been prescribed this type of drug for kidney damage often associated with diabetes (used to eliminate excess fluid in these organs), as well as some cases of congestive heart failure and liver disease.

Effects

• Cozaar has some extremely beneficial attributes but has side effects that can affect some individuals using it to treat their specific condition. This can include the common adverse effects of infection, nasal congestion, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, back pain, weight gain, anemia and sometimes low blood pressure (usually found in about 7 percent of individuals taking this prescription). If you experience one or more of these side effects, though considered relatively minor, you should consult your physician.

Warning

• Besides some of these more minor side effects, some people on Cozaar have experienced other adverse derivatives of the drug that can be considered more moderate to severe in nature. This includes an almost allergic reaction to the drug, manifesting in a rash or itchiness, blisters and peeling of the skin as well as an inflammation of the lips, a swelling of the tongue and throat and a puffiness in the face. Some people have also suffered from a difficulty in breathing, wheezing, dizziness, fainting, trouble swallowing and sometimes a decrease in urination. Again, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Potential

• On occasion, patients on Cozaar have also been subject to some very rare, yet fairly severe side effects while on this medication. Although atypical, there is still the potential to suffer from depression, anxiety or panic disorder, vertigo, blurred vision, impotence and loss of libido, hair loss, constipation and urinary tract infection, gout and fibromyalgia. Typically, your doctor will be able to detect a number of these byproducts before the patient can, but you should inform your health care provider as soon as any such symptom manifests itself.

Expert Insight

• It's virtually impossible for your physician to know exactly what type of a reaction (if any) you may have from Cozaar. Although the drug has been through numerous trials, there is no way to pinpoint how you specifically will handle the medication.