Ramipril and Lupus: Hi, I'm wondering if anyone... - LUPUS UK

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Ramipril and Lupus

Kathryn71 profile image
18 Replies

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has experience ( good or bad) of taking Ramipril? I have high blood pressure, and I've been taking it for just over a month. I was fine for the first 2 weeks but then had migraines almost every day. I've also been having the worst gastric reflux I've ever experienced. My stomach is now permanently sore and inflamed. I'm now scared of taking the Ramipril, but I don't want my blood pressure to rise again. My doctor doesn't think the Ramipril is causing the symptoms, so I would love to hear other people's experiences.

Thanks 🙂

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Kathryn71
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18 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRpro

Sometimes I do wonder about some doctors!!!!! Gastric effects and headache are listed as common side effects:

nhs.uk/medicines/ramipril/s...

Try to speak to another GP who isn't blinkered. My reaction to an ACE inhibitor was a horrendous itchy rash which I reported to several ward staff as I was in hospital when started on it but I was ignored until the weekend and a different consultant did the ward round - immediate stopping of the stuff and it is now listed in my notes as an allergic reaction.

Kathryn71 profile image
Kathryn71 in reply to PMRpro

That's good advice, thanks. Can I ask if you were prescribed an alternative treatment for high blood pressure?

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro in reply to Kathryn71

Of course - the second line suggested by the cardiologist was Losartan and Bisoprolol. In the meantime I have dropped the Losartan and am fine on Bisoprolol.

There are loads of BP meds, you just have to find one that suits you - UK doctors have some rather narrow views at times!

JCZW profile image
JCZW

Hi Kathryn71I was on Ramapril for high blood pressure and the side effects were horrendous.

As soon as I stopped taking them I felt so much better although to this day I still have what they call a Ramapril cough.

There are plenty of other medications for high blood pressure that may suit you.

X

Kathryn71 profile image
Kathryn71 in reply to JCZW

Thanks for your advice. It's reassuring to know other people have had problems with it and that there are other medications I could try!

caninecrazy profile image
caninecrazy

Hello Kathryn71,

I have been on rampril for about 6 months. I have a small cough and headaches since taking it. My GP like yours has told me to persevere with it. although any new symptom is usually brushed off as "one of your conditions" x

Danimccrea profile image
Danimccrea

Hi Kathryn I have been on rampril for around 10 months for high blood pressure I'm also on propananol for migraines X3 per day and have sumatriptin for severe attacks, I can't say I had any issues at first and they have been fine for me, I feel you tho as migraines/headaches are not nice. I would definitely try and see if you can get another medication as others have said above there are alot of alternatives and it sounds the headaches are definitely the cause of the new medication, a different doctor sounds the best route for further investigation and advice. Best of luck and hope your feeling better soon. Lots love. Xxx

Grandma24and1 profile image
Grandma24and1

Hello thereI was on Rampril for about 3 years. During that time I occasionally would have odd swellings on my face. My lips would swell and my tongue, quite frightening at times. After one awful episode when my whole face swelled up, I luckily took photos prior to seeing my GP. I was sent to an allergy Specialist who, as soon as he saw pics he asked if I was on Rampril! After stopping this I had no more episodes!

Apparently it's listed as a possible side effect.

Take care and I hope your PIP application ends successfully. ♥️

SecondLife profile image
SecondLife

Although I am fine on a low level dose of Rampril I totally understand how you are feeling as I have the same reaction to statins. Every time I go for my review we have the same conversation about taking statins and I always refuse with them saying you will need to go a hospital clinic then. We know our bodies, speak to another GP

schnauzersmudge profile image
schnauzersmudge

have been taking Ramipril for about 7 years I have had no adverse effect. Perfects I might have at the start of taking it but it passed. I hope your issues pass and everything settles down.

Greentomatoes profile image
Greentomatoes

Hi Kathryn71,

I have been on Ramipril for 1 year and my migraines have been regular and awful. I never thought of a connection but I will look into it.

Thank you and I hope you get it resolved soon!

GT xx

DebbieJ6894 profile image
DebbieJ6894

Hi KathrynI take 5mg Ramipril per day which controls my blood pressure. I have lupus with joint pain, Sjorgens and Raynauds symptoms. I don't have problems with the Ramipril but I know it can depend on what other meds you're taking and also on the individual? I've started on meds in the past that my husband has taken with no problem and had horrible side effects. There are so many other BP meds that if you don't get on with Ramipril, I'm sure your GP could offer an alternative?

Best wishes

Debbie

Kathryn71 profile image
Kathryn71

Thanks so much to everyone who replied to my post. You're such a supportive community 🙂 It's been really helpful and I've decided to go back to my GP.

chrisj profile image
chrisj

I was prescribed ramapril a few years ago for high BP and when I was hospitalised for kidney damage the consultant stopped it and changed to omeprazole. I didn't have any of the side effects you mention Kathryn and am not sure why he stopped the tablet but he did, quite abruptly.

Has your doctor had you properly examined for inflammation in your tummy? How does he/she know whats going on there without a scan...might be worth getting a second opinion.

Kathryn71 profile image
Kathryn71 in reply to chrisj

Hi Chris. That's really intereresting, thank you. Did the omeprazole successfully lower your blood pressure?

The doctor didn't examine me and my tummy is still inflamed. I have decided to do exactly as you suggested and try to see a different doctor.

chrisj profile image
chrisj in reply to Kathryn71

Yes bp is stable, still taking omeprazole with no problems. Hope you get something sorted soon xxx

Boeingbabe profile image
Boeingbabe

Omeprazole is a PPI and not a blood pressure medication. It is for Gastro intestinal issues like heartburn, gerd, barretts iesophagus and gastroparesis. It doesnt lower blood pressure 😉

PVYXAAEI profile image
PVYXAAEI

I was actually going to say Omeprazole is not for blood pressure but these are usually prescribed along with blood pressure tablets or statins etc to put a lining on your stomach so the medication does not upset your stomach .I take Ramipril (blood pressure tabs) Bisoprolol, Atorvastatin and Lansoprazole to stop any harm to my stomach from those medication

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