Stopping Ramilpril

[Borntobewild]

I had a stent fitted in December 2019 due to a blocked artery. I didn’t have any heart or lung problems and have very good blood pressure. My doctor at the time put me on Ramilpril along with other meds and I have recently developed a bad cough which is driving me mad. Would it be safe to stop taking this particular medication as I have never suffered high blood pressure in my life. I am coughing so much that I have pulled muscles in my tummy and am not sleeping well. I am living in Spain at the moment so it is awkward to discuss this with my UK doctor, trying to get a consultation over the phone is a nightmare, any advice would be appreciated

[Maisie2014]

Do not stop taking your meds without first speaking to someone (GP/cardiologist). Ramipril is notorious for a bad cough but if it’s only just started you need to know if that is the cause or something else. Seek medical advice.

[Borntobewild in reply to Maisie2014]

I have tried getting a telephone consultation with my GP but to no avail it is ridiculous. I don’t suffer with high blood pressure and never have, I’ve not had a heart attack or a stroke and no lung problems had everything checked out. I’m not sleeping well and exercise is extremely hard work as I get hot then cough uncontrollably which then wears me out. I was told right at the outset of my prescribing of medication that some of them were temporary one of which I have now stopped taking. I had to email my doctor to make sure. The receptionist rang me to confirm and said the doctor would do a phone consultation for the rest of my meds very soon....that was November and I’m still waiting...I have tried ringing but never manage to get through. My doctor hasn’t taken a face to face surgery since February 2020

[Hidden in reply to Borntobewild]

Most GP Practice's have an e-consult system or maybe just email the address on their website FAO of your GP.

[Hidden]

Have you had a COVID test?

[Borntobewild in reply to Hidden]

Yes it’s definitely not covid I have had it for months and was tested right at the beginning and my husband has recently had a voluntary (mass testing) test, all negative. It sounds like one of the side effects of Ramilpril. I have just been reading other people’s reactions to the drug and was amazed at the sameness. As I have never ever had high blood pressure so I wondered why I was prescribed Ramilpril in the first place.

[Hidden in reply to Borntobewild]

Seems unusual for the side effect to start more than a year after starting the drug, but as it is a known side effect it could be. I agree that you should not stop any meds without consulting your GP/Consultant.

[stevieR74 in reply to Borntobewild]

Hiya,

Same problem , thanks to the forum they all reported the same. My cough developed 8 weeks into taking it, bad in the morning and I now also have sinus issues (don’t know if it’s related)

Ramipril is a drug which reduces risk of heart attack, like you I have never had any lung or heart issues (do have slight arterial disease in my legs) , and was put on it to remove risk as I have mild to high (145/86) hypertension. I also developed the muscle cramps and twitching. Which is another bug bear. I decided to try and ride it out but they may offer an alternative as they must thing you need it, best of luck solving it

[Ianc2]

What dose do you take?

[Borntobewild in reply to Ianc2]

Hi lanc2, I’m on 2.5 mg at night but the thing is my doctor actually said whilst my stent was bedding in it would help me to have a lower heart rate.....I have never had high blood pressure and he knows this, in fact during pregnancy I had low blood pressure which they monitored closely. The doc did indicate I’m almost certain that a few of my meds would only be temporary one of which was ticagrelor which I stopped taking last December. I am going to try going down the email route again as all else seems to be useless. I’m so frustrated as I’m sure if they hadn’t closed the surgery in March 2020 I wouldn’t be in this position.