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drug interaction

Luludean profile image
24 Replies

I have persistant AF treated with Apixaban , Digoxin and Losartan.

I also have Rheumatoid arthritis .

I have had problems with RA biologic drugs, Am on no arthritis drugs at moment. But, following a blood test for R A flare up my GP ( never met him) prescribed Cochicine over the phone. Uric acid levels were slightly up .

It is for a short course but I am anxious about drug interaction between the heart drugs and the Colchicine. I don’t wan’t to antagonise this GP . But I need any advice please. L

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Luludean profile image
Luludean
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BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Best speak to your pharamcist as they are the experts in drug interaction and we are not medically trained.

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toBobD

Thanks Bob D. My chemist was not happy.

I did contact my surgery , got text saying it was fine. I do not know this GP , may be he is new.

I have had a problem wiith drug interaction before. So I am over sensitive . It was my cardiologist who did not like the side effect I got from biologic drugs . He told me to get a multidisciplinery consultation . Rheumatology scoffed at that idea.

I left a message with cardiology asking if Cochicine was safe with Apixaban and Digoxin . Not heard back . L

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

A friend has taken colchicine and he, too, was worried about it but all was well. As it seems it can react with digoxin, I would phone the surgery and explain your concerns.

A pharmacist will have access to general guidelines whereas the GP ought to have a wealth of past experience and more.

Steve

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toPpiman

Thank you Steve , as I wrote to Bob I think I have tried everything . It is so embarassing to keep moaning !!

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toLuludean

Oh no , don't worry! Embarrassment online is fine as I can't see your red face! ;-)

Steve

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

Always cautious to question drug interaction, although your GP should have checked in advance.

Cochicine is an anti-inflammatory often given post ablation to help prevent or treat periocarditis. I took two round of it myself. Since you're on typical afib drugs, I see no reason why you can't take cochicine, however best to consult with your pharmacist and afib specialist, if possible.

Be prepared that Cochicine can sometimes cause stomach issues.

Jim

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply tomjames1

thank you Jim .

I’m concerned 1) GP does not know me. 2) I’ve had valve repair and AF. 3) chemist was also concerned . 4) leaflet says possible drug interaction with Digoxin.

5) I have diverticular disease. 6) the Colchicine is for supposed gout? I have rheumatoid arthritis , it has flared up. Gout can be confused with R A. GP has not seen me.

Left a message on cardiology phone helpline , no reply.

I live alone ( normally that is fine but, , not when you need a bit of support). And my cat has been ill.

So I want to scream ! Normally I’m witty .

bassets profile image
bassets

Oh dear! I can't advise you about this but you have my sympathy. I hope it all gets sorted out. Best wishes x

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply tobassets

Thanks Basset, nice post! Still not sure what to do but, the sun is out here!! …..And yesterday ..The vet restored my very ill cat to health , Wonder if she could fix me ? Igor cat got an appointment straight away , face to face( face ?) Lovely caring vet Listened to my concerns and gave longer than 10 minutes!

I , a mere female Would welcome a call back from cardiology !! Or, rheumatology.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toLuludean

I Often wish my vet could treat me. I can get a same day face to face appointment for my dog; personal treatment, same vet every time. I wish my GP was the same.

bassets profile image
bassets

I've often thought a vet might be the best option! They look at the whole body and not just one speciality. I'm glad your cat is better, and hopefully you will be sorted soon.x

Luludean profile image
Luludean

Exactly Basset !!

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

Losartan is from the family of Metoprolol.

Metoprolol of any sort nw is banned as allergy.

Losartan showed lots of protein in my urine.

Metropolol made me breathless and fatigued with no ability to exertion. The 24-monitor showed up 2 pauses x 2secs at night asleep. Uncontrolled avge H/R Day 186. BP uncontrolled BB.

Check your urine. It is a side effect.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

wow Cherry !! Thank you for your post!!

It was interaction between Digoxin and colchicine I was initially worried about worried about . Had no idea about the Losartan side effect .

But thank goodness I left a message on Cardiology line and got reply saying consultant would contact me . This department works !!!!!!

ozziebob profile image
ozziebob

Yes, best get advice from the medical professionals. In the meantime, drugs.com is a useful website for drug interactions. I got this result for 2 of the drugs you mentioned ...

drugs.com/drug-interactions...

Hope you get the advice you are seeking.

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toozziebob

Thank you ozziebob, That report is quite alarming.

I am still waiting for a call back from the cardiologist. The GP texted to say the drugs were fine together. So I am still in a quandry,, I have not got any appointment with rheumatology nor have I manzged to change consultant. The joints are really painful , but last night I had a nasty AF episode, defînitely stress related. I had forgotten how scary these AF times are L

Visitingcat profile image
Visitingcat

I can’t help with the drug interactions but just wanted to send best wishes, it’s awful when you feel something is wrong and you can’t get anyone to take notice, your anxiety must feel awful. Probably why you’re getting episodes of afib.

I really hope your cardiologist can sort things out for you.

Glad your pusscat is feeling better at least : )

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toVisitingcat

I wrote a reply but not sure it posted .

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toLuludean

Hi visiting cat , I stupidly didn’t post my message!!

Thank you for your best wishes. The cardiologist’s secretary phoned me and gave me the go ahead to take Digoxin and Colchicine . So I’ve just taken one. I double , treble check everything now because I am under several different hospital departments .

I researched this drug interaction many times and advice was conflicting , so I am taking the plunge and trusting my cardiology .

Hope you and cat are fine!

Visitingcat profile image
Visitingcat

Hey, don’t be calling yourself stupid, you’re stressed and it’s easily done 💐☺️.

I found digoxin to be a massive help when I was on it waiting for a cardioversion, I felt awake for the first time in ages when I started it. I hope it’s ok with your new drug.

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toVisitingcat

I have been on Digoxin for years , couldn’t tolerate beta blockers . I have persitent A F . Ablations ( 2 long ones , full GA , did not work . If I go into « nasty » AF , like last night , I take propanalol . It is for rheumatoid arthritis flare , gout ? That I’ve just taken Colchicine. L

Visitingcat profile image
Visitingcat

Fingers crossed it helps with your pain and doesn’t fight with your digoxin.

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toVisitingcat

Thank you visiting cat.

Luludean profile image
Luludean in reply toLuludean

Thank you visiting cat. I have taken Colchicine for 2 days and I feel totally zonked . Not ill just weird . Joints still hurt. Not been out and, that is unheard of.

But sun is out !! Hope you are well.

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