Change of ramapril pills

[Aikenhead]

I wonder if anyone can help. My husband has been taking 7.5 mg ramapril every day since heart attack 9 months ago, always the same pills and manufacturer, but now chemist has said their supplier cannot continue these ones and now want to give him these other ones, which don't have the same PL number and even don't have the same list of possible side affects. We are in the process of trying different pharmacies but not succeeding. Is it bad of us thinking this is a monetary decision? He feels bad enough having to take such a lot of pills as it is without them going to be changed whenever the supplier changes their criteria. Or are we being paranoid, being afraid new pill could cause problem with compatibility issues?

[IanMK]

I take seven different prescription medications for my heart (including Ramipril 5mg) and I often get different manufacturers' products. I am a little surprised that you have found that the user information leaflets are different but I haven't looked myself.

The leaflet in my present Ramipril packet only refers to 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg capsules so perhaps 7.5mg is not so widely manufactured. The MHRA don't appear to reference a 7.5mg version either. This probably explains the difficulty in finding the same product you have had before.

The different PL numbers may refer to different formats - e.g. Tablets or capsules. If I were you, I wouldn't worry. The pharmacist wouldn't offer your husband an unacceptable substitute. If he had a capsule previously then stick with a capsule. The ingredients should be identical.

Since there is difficulty finding a 7.5mg tablet/capsule, your husband could query the dose with his GP or cardiologist on his next appointment.

[Aikenhead in reply to IanMK]

Hi Ian,

Sorry I have confused issue...he takes 2.5 mg morning and 5mg at night, so yes, no 7.5 capsule!!! Silly me!!!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

There should not really be any difference but both a friend's wife have had problems. Each time it was BP medication - once a beta blocker and the other a *pril. So keep an eye on things for a day or two after starting the new prescription!

[Aikenhead]

Thanks everyone, I'm just a mad worry worm, as my daughters will testify!!!! Will call off the hunt for usual pill and hope for the best! Many thanks for all your concern and advice.

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Aikenhead,

I am sorry to hear you are going through this stressful time. I would recommend getting your husband to discuss this further with his GP. If the product is still an ace inhibitor (just a different manufacturer) and the dosage has not changed then I would not be concerned that he would have a compatibility issue.

You may also find it helpful to talk to a pharmacist.

Take care,

Emily

[Aikenhead in reply to Emily_BHF]

Thanks Emily, yes, he will just have to bite this bullet after all, and go with whatever he is given and hope for the best!!

Many thanks for your concern and advice.