The National Health Service has issued an urgent safety alert concerning a widely prescribed medication, emphasising that it may pose serious risks for some patients. The drug in question is losartan, commonly used to manage high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions.
Who Should Avoid Losartan?
While losartan is suitable for most adults aged 18 and over, the NHS clearly states it is not appropriate for everyone. Patients must consult their GP before taking it, especially if they fall into specific categories.
You should inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reaction to losartan or other medicines. It is also crucial to disclose if you have diabetes, heart problems, or liver or kidney complications.
The list of conditions requiring a doctor's review includes having had a recent kidney transplant, experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting while on the drug, or following a low-sodium diet. Additionally, those with low blood pressure (hypotension), or who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, must seek medical advice.
Recognising Common and Serious Side Effects
Like all medications, losartan can cause adverse reactions. The NHS classifies several as "common," meaning they affect more than one in 100 people. These typically include dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and joint or muscle pain.
However, the health service highlights the importance of being aware of rarer but more serious side effects that demand immediate action. You should contact a doctor or call NHS 111 straight away if you notice specific warning signs.
These serious signs include: yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), severe stomach pain (a potential symptom of pancreatitis), unusual paleness, fatigue, dizziness, purple skin spots, signs of bleeding, a sore throat with a high temperature, weakness, an irregular heartbeat, pins and needles, or muscle cramps.
When to Call 999 for a Severe Allergic Reaction
In rare cases, losartan can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment.
The NHS instructs patients to call 999 immediately if they or someone else experiences any of the following symptoms after taking losartan:
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or feeling like you are choking.
- A tight throat or trouble swallowing.
- Skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale (on darker skin, check palms or soles).
- Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness.
- Someone fainting and not waking up.
- A child becoming limp, floppy, or unresponsive.
- A swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling rash.
The NHS stresses the importance of always taking losartan exactly as prescribed by a doctor and following the instructions on the label. Patients with any doubts should speak to their pharmacist or GP without delay.
