Anyone on RANEXA?

[Dessert]

I’ve been prescribed Ranexa for unstable angina . However , I’ve read that it can have terrible side effects eg migraines etc. So I’m reluctant to take it . I just wondered what other peoples reaction to it was.

[francesw47]

Hello! Yes, I take this drug and also for unstable angina. Along with isosorbide mononitrate, for same. I have to underline this by stating that I don't seem to react adversely to many of the heart drugs I'm prescribed - and if I do the side effects go away pretty quickly. Its a matter of waiting until my body gets used to the new chemical. I did have some slight reaction to it - I gained a bit of weight initially, but it soon went again. My attitude is that I have had such a rough ride over the last three years that I was delighted that the cardiologist finally finally listened to what I was saying to him and decided to go with my description of my symptoms. Bingo! Another drug in the arsenal that is a bit of a game changer. I have stopped huffing and puffing like an old steam train and stopped feeling like a vice was squeezing my heart - at rest. So, for me, it was worth it. I take a magic cocktail of pretty powerful chemicals - all of which I believe keep me going. I have just celebrated my 70th birthday - three years ago that did not look a likely event. I'm just so pleased to still be here and still enjoying life - and if those drugs help me to do so...then go for it.Try it and see what happens - but think of the advantages of trying something to help. And please let us all know how you get on with taking it, and whether it helps.

[Dessert in reply to francesw47]

Hi Frances

I’m sorry I didn't respond sooner but I’ve just seen your reply!Thank you so much . What you have told me gives me a lot of confidence in taking the drug. I was also prescribed isosorbide mononitrate with the Ranexa but I didn’t take it as the Cardiologist did say it would probably give me migraines . So my GP said I should just take the Ranexa.

(I don’t have a regular Cardiologist and the one I spoke to on the phone did make mistakes over the phone and so I lost a bit of confidence in him )

I also nearly died 3 years ago! I had a Widow-maker heart attack and a few days later I had another heart attack . But I’m still here! Yay!

I’m so glad that the cardiologist finally listened to you! And it’s fantastic that what he prescribed has helped you enormously .

I love your attitude ! You’re very inspiring !

It’s reassuring to speak someone who has the same symptoms as me, the chest pain etc and it’s getting worse . So I’m definitely taking Ranexa . It would be so nice to have less pain and to struggle less with breathing . I hope it works as well for me as it does you !

Thank you so much xx . You’ve really given me hope!

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME XX

I will keep you and everyone informed about how I’m getting along with Ranexa

[Hidden]

Not taking prescribed medication can result in problems for you some of which could be serious. We are are all different and other people's reaction to medication may not be applicable to you. Why not start to take your medication as prescribed and see how you react, bearing in mind some side effects calm down after the body gets used to the drug. If any side effects persist go talk to your GP.

[Dessert in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much . You’re right about everything you’ve said . It’s great advice that you’ve given me . I’m definitely going to start taking it . Thanks again , I really appreciate it xx

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Ranexa is a brand name for Ranolazine. Ranolazine is one of a group of drugs I refer to as anti-anginals the aim of them being to prevent angina attacks (and the use of GTN spray) and/or reduce the background chest pain associated with unstable angina. I took two anti-anginals before my bypass; Isosorbide Mononitrate and Diltiazem. The man side effects of most anti-anginals are headaches and potentially slight dizziness which usually disappears after 7 - 10 day. Very rarely there may be slight nausea. So not unlike GTN spray! They are prescribed to reduce your symptoms and to protest you. Any concerns should be talked through with your GP.

[Dessert in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael . That was really informative. It’s the headaches I fear as I suffer from migraines. Apparently when you’ve had heart attacks there aren’t any migraines tablets that you can take .I guess I better start taking it .

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Dessert]

If after 10 days the headaches or any other side effect have not subsided go back to your GP. It may be that you tolerate other anti-anginals better. Has there been any discussing on intervention like stents?

[Dessert in reply to MichaelJH]

Ok thanks. I’ll definitely do that . I’ve got one stent which was put in 3 years ago . Last year I was in hospital for kidney stones and had an angiogram and was told that I’ve got 30% blockage in two main arteries so I was put on extra cholesterol tablets , Ezetimibe 10 mg . I was already on Atorvastatin 40mg ( I’m now on Pravastatin 40 mg instead of Atorvastatin )

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Dessert]

I also live with migraines and can't take any of the usual medications for migraines either.

I had my first treatment with botox a couple of weeks ago and have noticed an improvement. I am having fewer migraines.

Have you been reviewed by a Neurologist?

I didn't tolerate Ranolazine in combination with Diltiazem, like Poppy 451 it gave me palpitations.

[Dessert in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi I’m sorry for my late reply but I didn’t get an alert or an email.

No I haven’t been referred to a Neurologist .

I’ve heard of Botox therapy , Thanks for the info x Do the NHS do it?

It’s refreshing to know that it works. Where do they inject you?

I didn’t realise that I was taking Diltiazem ! I just looked it up and the generic name is Tildium which is what I take ! Duh! I need to know my meds!

I started taking Ranexa on Monday . I’m diabetic . I was fine but at night I had a hypo and had to quickly eat something with sugar . Yesterday I felt ‘Zombiefied’ . I had some Ribena and felt a bit better , Today I feel okay so far.

I’ve had headaches but not a migraine - Please G-D I don’t get one !

What do you take instead of Ranexa ?

Thanks very much for responding to my post and the valuable information

I appreciate it xx

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Dessert]

I had botox on the NHS. I had to wait about a year for the treatment.They do about 30 small injections on your scalp, neck and shoulders.

It takes about 15 minutes.

Not particularly comfortable but it didn't take long. You need the treatment every 3 months. Not something I would do by choice to reduce my wrinkles it's too painful!

My angina is due to coronary vasospasms so all my medications are to try and dilate and relax my blood vessels. I have trigger happy blood vessels. As well as vasospastic angina and

migraines, I also live with Raynauds Phenomenon.

I am prescribed top doses of slow release Diltiazem . Isosorbide mononitrate tablets and GTN patches.

Nicorandil, clopidogrel and a statin.

Just had Lansoprazole added as the cloppy dog is giving me gastritis.

I have tried Candesartin and Ramipril which both crashed my blood pressure.

I hope the Ranolazine helps your angina.

[Poppy451]

Best not to take it with diltaizem because I found the combination gave me arrythmia.

[Dessert in reply to Poppy451]

Eeek! Thanks Poppy!