Candesartan, does it affect joints?

[LInnieOAP]

I am taking a Candesartan 32 mg daily for high blood pressure which it controls well.

However as time passes my legs feel heavy, knees are painful to bend down and stairs are a challenge after taking it. My last blood test results for sodium and potassium in November were fine.

I have tried various classes of BP medication and had common side effects with all of them so according to my GP Candesartan is my only option and the only side effects are on kidney function. Not sure I believe this!

Has anyone else experienced joint pain and weakness with this treatment please?

[Clive1952]

Hi. I take 16mg of Candersartan and 5mg of Doxazosin. My legs feel heavy, knees ache and walking up and down stairs a challenge. .. ...

[LInnieOAP in reply to Clive1952]

Thanks Clive, my GP tells me I’m imagining it and it’s anxiety. It does cause anxiety as I often feel I’m not going to be able to get back to the car on country walks and it’s very uncomfortable.

[Clive1952 in reply to LInnieOAP]

You are describing my own experiences entirely. .. ..

[Lowtidelover]

yes I have , plus a painful jaw. I have come off candasartan and am now taking losartan 100mg with felopidine 2.5 mg. My jaw is better and pain and heaviness in my legs has reduced. My bp still high though!

[LInnieOAP in reply to Lowtidelover]

Thank you for your reply, my GP doesn’t seem to recommend combined therapy, good luck with your regime do hope it starts to work for you over time.

I have tried Losartan alone and it made my legs swell. If I could just reduce the pain that would be a start.

[NannyPig]

I have taken Candesartan for many years on and off I was on 8mg and found that my legs were so heavy I couldn't lift my feet easily and I had quite a few falls. My dose was reduced to 4mg and still my legs felt quite heavy. I am now on only 2mg which just about controls my bp but I still experience some leg heaviness and joint pain. I have tried periods with no medication but my bp rises. I have tried many different medications but seem very susceptible to side effects.

[LInnieOAP in reply to NannyPig]

Thank you for your reply, you have the same history as me as regards suspect ability to BP lowering medications. I haven’t tripped over yet but come so close many times, only a question of time.

My GP cites anxiety and being unfit time after time, I’m not but will be if this carries on. it’s helping knowing others have problems with Candesartan and will give me the confidence to face her again.

[Transalp]

I thought ARB’s were meant to be positive for Kidneys?

kidney.org/kidney-topics/ac...

[LInnieOAP in reply to Transalp]

Not always, kidney function is tested every six months when your on these compounds. My serum potassium was out of range when I started them but settled.