Recently television viewers have seen many ads for the “purple pill.” Another ad will make most television watchers change the channel. These ads are for a pill called Nexium. Nexium is for chronic heartburn and acid reflux sufferers. It doesn’t work for everyone, and hair loss is a side effect of the pill.

Odds are, this particular side effect won’t happen to you. The only way to be sure about this is to try Nexium first, and see if it happens.

But side effects of medications do occur, it is why the FDA requires that they be listed. If you are taking Nexium and hair loss does occur, immediately go visit your doctor. This side effect may be isolated, or it may be a sign of other side effects to follow.

Most cases of hair loss by Nexium users is cleared up by taking a lower dose of Nexium or starting a different pill. As soon as the medicine clears out of your symptom at the harmful levels, the hair loss will end. It may be as soon as 24 hours or as long as a week before the hair loss stops. The rate of loss and stoppage of loss will depend on how much Nexium you are taking. Talk to your doctor about reasonable expectations.

The side effect of hair loss has only been reported in men, not women. However, that doesn’t mean it cannot occur in women as well. The Internet has spread some rumors that taking Nexium will always make your hair fall out, which is not true. It is simply a possibility.