List of any and all medicines

I would suggest that everyone list the medicines and supplements they take. Many can lead to similar symptoms of APS, such as statins and some of us might be able to tell you of our experiences with them.

[panda60]

I would agree with you Lynn. I am very sensitive to medication so my experiences will be different to those of others.

[thegaul]

I agree with Lynn also -

[Hidden]

So, it's not imprtant that people know that statins like crestor can raise your INR by as much as 50%, or that COQ10 can lower you INR drastically, or that antibiotics can raise your INR? Many things also effect bleeding without being reflected in you INR, such as aspirin Pepto- Bismol, Alka-Seltzer certain juices, etc.. Many of the symptoms of APS are caused by unrelated medication or herbs. Some of these things may be obvious to some people by not all.

Isn't the reason for this site to educate people about APS?

I for one, will ask people what other medictions they are on, as a good doctor would or should.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Are you a doctor, Jim?

People have the power themselves to question their docs about what meds they are on themselves. This is pretty personal to everyone. Posting asking for a list of meds for the reasons you ask can be dangerous and foolhardy as nobody but the patient and their doctors should be deciding what is best for them.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Jim- what symptoms of APS are you talking about? I would like to hear what you have to say.

You seem to be focusing just on INR and those who take warfarin. Not everyone takes that and those who do and also take supplements I would hope are consistent and their warfarin dosage would also be consistent to help them maintain proper INR.

Warfarin isn't a stable drug, that has been known for decades and isn't anything new. LOTS of things affect it. It isn't just APS patients who take it and despite its instability is still widely used. I am actually happy I don't have to deal with this drug.

BTW drugs.com is a good place to check for interactions, side effects, etc....

You have to understand that sometimes there is a good reason to take two medications that are contraindicated together, not everything is black and white.

[jessielou]

Hi Jim,

I take atorvastatin myself, I have familial high cholesterol, I am aware that statins interfere with warfarin and can effect my Inr.

I researched long and hard before starting on the path of statins, I eventually came to the conclusion that I had to take the chance, the first statin I was given (Sinvastatin) it caused muscle cramps and a small amount of muscle damage, which was discovered after I asked for a blood test. This showed elevated creatine kinase, an indicator of muscle damage.

I then asked to be put on atorvastatin, which so far has reduced cholesterol from 9.6 to 5.2 and not caused any other problems.

The professor of chemical pathology who I see regularly, participates happily in discussions about side effects etc, if there was a viable alternative for my case he would be willing to go along with it, my safety and health being paramount.

I take many medications and have other conditions too, I would love it if I didn't have to, but I have a better quality of life now than pre diagnosis and treatment.

I'm glad that you are bringing this info to people, we can all learn from this site and share knowledge.

Take care gentle hugs love Sheena xxxx

[77tiger05]

If you had noticed, I had a question like this about 2 weeks ago. I still stand by all the vitamins & supplements I take because I have done so much research on it all. I am a had ont to read when it comes to antibiotics. I have been in the hospital so many times for anaphylaxis. It'sno fun. I blow up like a balloon and have hives everywher on my body. I look like a freak. My supplements have helped so much and my doctor thinks it's great that I have done all this research. So good luck to you all!!!

[iwantsimple]

I appreciate any input about possible side effects or interactions. I can't see how sharing information can be harmful. The more you know...and all that. We all know that we're not docs and that we're just sharing OUR experience and knowledge. That said, here's my list:

Night:

Singulair

Lexapro

Warfarin

Ambien

Morning:

Multivitamin

Prevacid

Mobic (I know this also thins blood)

Diflucan

[bernieembleton]

I presented with APS well before any medication taken, and appreciate what you are saying about medication causing symptoms similer to the condition. The doctors are the ones who give the diagnosis. I did not go knowing that i had APS, I went with other conditions.

[Mystynzl]

Hi Jim,

I understand why you would ask this question. The hard part is this conditions fickle progress. I take no other drugs than that prescribed by my doc (other than paracetamol when needed). I have leant what foods cause issues with INR..like green leafy veges....cranberry juice etc. When you get diagnosed it does change the way you look at things.

I believe your suggestion about listing meds was for those on here that are dealing with medicals not familiar with Hughes/APS.

Regards

Mysty

[kelgem]

Hi Jim,

I also agree with Lynne,

However, I take

mornings

Lexapro

Aspirin

Topomax

Magnesium, Vit D, Zinc

Evenings

Warfarin

Topomax

Vit D, Zinc,

Pariet

I am about to cease Lexapro and start Effexor to help with migraines will keep you posted on the result

[Jade]

Jim a good GP would advise us to be vigilent when adding in a new medication. I know that all meds and vitamins I already took before starting warfarin have no effect at all on INR. I have sucessfully added in other things over the years and simply watch my INR and self test.

What I would say to prove we are all different is your comment re antibiotics raising INR, well my INR always falls on antibiotics.