taking Inspra/Eplerenone with Sando-K (as blood tests show potassium level low) and Bumetanide

[Ktomoph_]

My understanding of being prescribed Eplerenone is that it is a potassium sparing diuretic (stops any potassium being expelled from the body) to be taken alongside the Bumetanide which is a diuretic that expels all excess fluid.

I was previously prescribed Spironolactone -another slightly stronger potassium sparing diuretic - alongside Furosemide another diuretic that expels all excess fluid.

Whilst taking the Spironolactone I suffered very painful and debilitating full leg cramps, a common side effect, which stopped as soon as I stopped taking Spironolactone.

18 months or so down the line and I am suffering with ascites which the increased dosage of Furosemide cannot shift, hence the change to Bumetanide and Eplerenone.

However, about 6 weeks prior to the start of Bumetanide and Eplerenone my blood potassium levels began dropping and I was prescribed daily potassium supplement Sando-K. I felt a little better but the blood potassium levels still dropped, not drastically but enough to cause concern.

The Furosemide was replaced by the Bumetanide and continued with the Sando-K. The Eplerenone was added 4 days ago and within 3 days I suffered the very painful and debilitating full leg cramps.

I am now in a dilemma - low potassium levels can cause leg cramps, but also, high potassium levels can cause leg cramps!

So, my big dilemma today - should I continue with just the Bumetanide and Sando-K? or should I continue with just te Bumetanide and Eplerenone?

Of course I am not expecting anyone to provide a qualified answer to this dilemma - but has anyone had the same or similar experience with these meds, low potassium levels, and leg cramps?

[Callista]

have been on Spirolactone and furosemide for several years. I have not experienced the leg cramps you mention but was interested to hear of your low potassium levels. In my opinion my potassium levels are not tracked as carefully as I would have hoped but my annual blood tests have not resulted in any problems with potassium being highlighted.

However I do crave potassium rich foods and consume an awful lot of flame raisins which I believe are full of potassium.

I do find the diuretic effect varies from one day to the next between negligible and quite the opposite so I never know what to expect.

This will not help you solve your problem of leg cramps but I do find that all medication comes with side effects of one type or another but if it is working one has to put up with them.

[Ktomoph_ in reply to Callista]

thankyou for your response Callista.

Yes I agree about all meds having side affects, but although I can cope with some, others that are excruciatingly painful such as the full leg cramps are unacceptable in any form.

There are a number of different diuretics that work in various ways - I just have to find which ones work for me and dont reduce my potassium levels.

Something is amiss because despite taking the Sando-K potassium supplement, my blood tests show that the levels in my system are still dropping - not drastically but enough to cause a liile concern.

[Etzel]

Can't help your dilemma but interestingly just today I've been switched from Spirolactone to Eplerenone due to painful man boobs! I await with baited breath what side effects I get but at least now I know to look for leg cramps.

[Ktomoph_ in reply to Etzel]

thanks for response Etzel. Sorry to hear you suffered one of the side effects of Spironolactone, but fingers-crossed that the Eplerenone just gives you the benefits and none of the unwanted reactions.

I do beieve my suffering is related to the potassium levels - just have to work out a balance. Am awaiting results from blood tests now.