Change of Medication

[Blueberrylover]

Hi

My GP took me off Lercardapine because of my swollen ankles and legs and put me on Spironolactone 25 mg has anyone had this medication please.

Thank you

[Lezzers]

Spirolactone is a pretty standard heart medication, it's a diuretic that also gives some protection to your heart, I also believe (happy to be told I'm wrong) that its kinder on your kidneys then other diuretics. It's pretty much well tolerated by most people however it can raise potassium levels, my husbands potassium level often fluctuates on the high side so often stops taking it (under his nurses guidance) until his level normalise again. He's just recently started taking it again but he's taking it every other day until further notice. You should have a blood test 2 weeks after you start taking it to check your kidney function/potassium level. If this hasn't been arranged then I would contact your Dr and ask that this be put in place.

[Blueberrylover in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you so much for your reply, it was very helpful. I have got a blood test on the 12th November, thank you again

[Lezzers in reply to Blueberrylover]

Any idea why you're waiting so long for the blood test? My husband's nurses absolutely insist that the test is done no longer than 2 weeks after starting it, but perhaps that's because he does already have kidney disease and has a history of high potassium.

[Blueberrylover in reply to Lezzers]

Hi, I had a blood test 1 month ago and it came back with my Sodium slightly low but she said nothing to worry about, so they are going to take my blood monthly to see how I get on with my new medication, I only started taking them today, the reason I reached out was there are some horrible side effects on the instructions.

Thank you

[Lezzers in reply to Blueberrylover]

Tbh, there's horrible side effects with most medication but in reality very few people get serious side effects or any side effects at all & the protection it give your heart far outweighs any minor issues you may experience. However, if you do get side effects that are intolerable there are alternatives to spirolactone, Eplerenone being one of them though we were told it's not as effective as spirolactone.

Taking your blood monthly is absolutely the right thing to do as per NICE guidelines until your levels are stable. Your Dr does seem on the ball.

Good luck

[Blueberrylover in reply to Lezzers]

Hi, yes she is on the ball and she is very nice, her husband is a cardiologist in our local hospital. I hope your husband gets better soon.

Thank you Jan x

[Lezzers in reply to Blueberrylover]

Thank you

Your GP sounds brilliant, you can't beat an engaged & proactive GP & having a cardiologist husband is the icing on the cake. Hopefully you'll have no issues with the spirolactone

Good luck 🤞 x

[Blueberrylover in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you very much, it was lovely chatting with you.

Good luck to you both Jan xx