Itching Effect of Heart Meds

[Richos]

Hi Everyone,

I have permanent atrial fibrillation and heart failure. My daily meds are: Apixaban 10mg, Atorvastatin 20mg, Bisoprolol 10mg, Ramipril 10mg and Spironolactone 50mg

I was discharged by the hospital consultant in January 2018 with no follow up. I am getting an increasing level of itching to my legs below the knee and to my lower back. I'm due to see my GP in a few days and so that I can discuss, would like to identify if this is a side effect of one or more off the drugs. If so which one(s)?

Any information based on your own experience of these drugs would be appreciated.

Thanks & regards

Richard

[Love100cats]

Hello! This is such a common problem. I have psoriasis which has got so much worse since starting heart meds same as yours. My husband also a heart patient has the same problem. We mention it to cardiologist, g.p., h.f. nurse but they all just agree it's a nuisance and supply skin creams but would I take a chance of reducing itching against increased breathlessness, chest pain etc.? ?of course not. So we put up with it. I know some do shop around for alternative meds but that scares me because if took some months to tame my heart symptoms. I'll be interested in your responses.

.

[Richos in reply to Love100cats]

Yes it is a nuisance, but of course it's more important that the drugs are doing a good job.

[Potuar in reply to Love100cats]

My husband too has itching, it comes and goes and he has accepted it. I think it's caused by his HF medication. The GP supplied us with a cream, the itching though continues. Can you take peritone with heart medication?

[Olliemonty58]

I also get itching on lower legs back of knees. I'm on amiodarone candesarton bisoprolol atorvastatin and dabigatran. I had 2nd cardioversion last Tuesday for af. Do hope I can come off some of tabs x

[Richos in reply to Olliemonty58]

Hi I hope your cardioversion works for you long term. Mine was initially successful then I soon reverted to AF.

[Olliemonty58 in reply to Richos]

I'm hoping it will work this time. Fingers crossed x

[varices]

I have severe itching due to various drugs I take. 'PIRITON' (Chlorphenamine) stops it immediately. I have to inject it, but that is only because I have a major malabsorption syndrome. Normally, tablets or even liquid should do the job. Both are available to buy over the counter. Even if you still have problems after trying it, don't worry, there are plenty of options available. Often a Pharmacist is better than a doctor to advise. Most reputable chemist chains have private consultation rooms where you can talk in private.

Good luck.

[Richos in reply to varices]

Thank you for your response, very helpful. I'll have a chat with my Pharmacist about Piriton.

[Anon2023]

Hi. I often get itching after my ohs and the various meds I’m on. The doc did liver function tests to make sure all was ok as apparently you can be itchy if your liver enzymes are out of balance. I did have other symptoms though. My tests came back ok so now I just use an antihistamine. I don’t want to alarm you and I’m sure that you are absolutely fine but it might be worth check.