Nicorandil reaction

[MONIREN]

Recently went to hospital for chest pain, all test ok on paper, never had a bad ecg even with heart attacks. They put me on Nicorandil 10mg twice a day. I had been on it before, cardiologist took me off it 20mg twice a day after last stent in Feb. This time I had massive headaches, for 2 days, nothing would ease it, hardly slept. Went off it and 2 days later no headache. I've never stopped a medication without gp approval. I have a new gp, just bad timing. She was unsure what to do and said she will get back to me. Of course, we had the weekend. Has anyone had a reaction to it. I really couldn't cope with the pain, felt I was going crazy. Most reactions are mild and resolve in 2 days. Should I have persisted? Moni.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Moniren,

I am sorry to hear you've been in hospital again and you had such severe headaches taking nicorandil.

I have been on Nicorandil 30mgs twice a day for many years without problems.

I hope you have now been able to speak to your GP and feeling better.

[MONIREN in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I was on Niicorandil for years on a higher dose, but I had a different mix of medication then. I did get receptionist to remind her about phone call. Usually get more peace from angina from a stent. Maybe this is just the new normal. Take care. Moni

[Silvertail]

I had a reaction to Nicorandil. I have always had mouth ulcers, but when taking Nicorandil I had a mouthful of ulcers nonstop. These ulcers are a known side effect.

[Solobet]

So sorry to hear about your experience. Here in the UK on the NHS website it’s a known side effect supposed to clear away after the first week. However if the pain is intolerable why not ask your cardiologist for an alternative?

[MONIREN in reply to Solobet]

I think that is what my gp is trying to do, but so difficult even for them to talk to one. I never saw cardiologist at the hospital, the hospital registrar asked advice on the phone. Hopefully will hear today, just struggling with angina. Thanks for your reply. Take care. Moni

[Solobet in reply to MONIREN]

If you can try to insist that your Dr refers you to a cardiologist ideally the one who inserted your stents. Did they give you a nitrate spray to help with the angina in the interim?

[MONIREN in reply to Solobet]

Yes, I've had heart problems 11yrs now., so use spray regularly. Waiting times for the cardiologist that has put in most of my stents has waiting time 12-18 mths. My last gp used to have his mobile number, but she left for Sydney. We are regional here, not many options. Take care. Moni

[MONIREN in reply to Solobet]

I do pay to see private cardiologist, but he has waiting times too.