How do I deal with swollen legs and w... - British Heart Fou...

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How do I deal with swollen legs and water retention?

bluerose76 profile image
9 Replies

WATER RETENTION IN MY LEGS

I have been prescribed a medication called furosemide. I notice that one of the side effects listed is 'loss of hearing'. I have already lost most of the hearing in my left ear and dare not risk losing right ear hearing. Can anyone give me any info on this? Is there another medication for the swollen legs problem but without the side effect?

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9 Replies
10gingercats profile image
10gingercats

my stuborn water retention in ankles and legs disappeared very quickly with Spirolactine(powerful drug) and Furosimide . Speak to your GP or cardio. about this. The water retention caused fluid around my heart and in my lungs. The two meds got rid of it quickly..NOT Furosimide on its own though which i had taken large doses of for months.

dickielex profile image
dickielex

I haven't seen any reference to hearing loss and I have been taking furosemide for years.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

The risk of a reduction in hearing is one of those very rare side effects. If you look at these rare side effects you would not ever take an Aspirin or any other drug.

I have been prescribed Furosemide twice. The first was because of oedema caused by Amlodipine. Could your swelling be caused by another drug - you do not mention your other medication. If not and it is more than oedema around the ankles it needs treating urgently before you get fluid on the lungs. Whatever speak to your GP urgently!

Most cases of hearing damage are associated with intravenous Frusomide which is usually administered if the situation is acute (lungs and heart seriously affected).

You don't say how much you take. I have been taking 240mg a day for 4 years and have had no hearing problems.

LBCdance profile image
LBCdance

I've been on furosemide for years, with no side effects, but as always let's remind ourselves that everybody is different. It is very effective and works quickly on me.

Harryl profile image
Harryl

Hi. Had a Triple Heart bypass last August. Following that one of then medicines I was put on was Furosemide. By October I was still struggling with my breathing and was suffering with Oedema in both my legs and feet. Saw the GP and she thought it was down to the Ramipril I was taking and I was referred to Watford hospital the next day. Went there and was kept in for the next 5 days. Was placed in an Acute Respiratory unit (never reached the Cardiac unit)and was on Oxygen support for 4 of those 5 days. Also had Furosemide infusion for first 48 hours. In the space of 40 hours I lost a stone and a half or 10 Kgs. Needless to say it sorted the Oedema out. Interestingly they changed my water reduction tablet to Bumetanide and i now take one tablet a day of that along with all the other medicationknow nothing about any effects re hearing

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Never seen that on mine; been on them for over 20 years. I do have hearing loss but never associated it with them. Is it reversible do you know?

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn in reply toQualipop

I always have the tv on too loud so I’ve been told. I’ve been wondering if I have a hearing problem. I’ve been on various doses of furosemide for many years so now I’m blaming that lol.

WillyD profile image
WillyD

I've been using furosemide for quite a long time without experiencing issues with hearing loss. However, it's essential to be mindful of the dosage and follow your doctor's instructions carefully, as excessive use can increase the risk of side effects, including hearing loss. If you're concerned about the side effect, you could discuss alternatives with your doctor, as there are other diuretics like spironolactone or torsemide that might have a different side effect profile and could be safer for you.

Additionally, managing swelling through lifestyle changes, such as elevating your legs, reducing salt intake, and staying active, can also help reduce water retention. Be sure to monitor your health closely and stay in touch with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable solution.

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