Cozaar Side Effects

There are a number of potential side effects that may develop with the use of Cozaar. Side effects that are most commonly reported in people treating diabetic nephropathy include low blood pressure, fatigue, weight gain, and diarrhea. The most common Cozaar side effects seen in those with high blood pressure include nasal congestion, infection, and back pain. If you experience severe side effects such as unexplained blisters or difficulty breathing, be sure to notify your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Cozaar Side Effects: An Overview

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Cozaar® (losartan potassium). However, not everyone who takes Cozaar will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Cozaar well. When side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects can occur, but are less common.
 
(The Cozaar side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with Cozaar. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Cozaar side effects with you.)
 

Common Cozaar Side Effects

Cozaar has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with thousands of people worldwide having been evaluated.
 In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Cozaar side effects seen in people with high blood pressure include:
 
  • Infection, such as the common cold or flu -- in up to 8 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- up to 3 percent
  • Nasal congestion -- up to 2 percent
  • Back pain -- up to 2 percent.
     
In people with diabetic nephropathy, common side effects with Cozaar include:
 
  • Diarrhea -- up to 15 percent of people
  • Fatigue -- up to 14 percent
  • Anemia -- up to 14 percent
  • Increase in blood potassium levels -- up to 7 percent
  • Low blood pressure -- up to 7 percent
  • Weight gain -- up to 4 percent (see Cozaar and Weight Gain).
     
(Cozaar Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;