Blood Pressure meds and wet AMD

[Jihm]

I have wet AMD in both eyes, and have been been receiving shots for same for many years - currently Eylea. I have recently seen a cardiologist who wants to put me on a BP med, Losartan. I am concerned that BP meds such as Losartan might worsen AMD. Any thoughts?

[springcross]

Hi Jihm. You could ask your local pharmacist as they know more about drugs and their reactions with other drugs than most GPs do but I feel the best person to ask is your consultant, he/she should be aware of what drugs are OK. You can of course ask both!

[Jihm in reply to springcross]

Thanks for your response, springcross. Like other angiotensin receptor blockers, losartan relaxes and widens your blood vessels. My ophthalmologist (hurriedly) offered the thought that anything that lowers pressure couldn't hurt. I'll ask a pharmacist what she or he thinks.

[springcross in reply to Jihm]

Good luck.

[enbrx]

Dr. Google says: "Losartan may help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions."

[Jihm in reply to enbrx]

Thanks, enbrx.

[tallyho]

I am interested in your thought process?

[Jihm in reply to tallyho]

There are a lot of pros & cons concerning Losartan on various internet medical sites, many contradictory things are mentioned. Some sites even say it has been removed from the market. And that it can cause serious eye related problems is one of the cautions sometimes listed. So, I am just gathering information.

[tallyho in reply to Jihm]

Thanks I use losartan 100 mg every day and I am under 4 different eye consultants at 2 different hospitals including St Thomas and no one has ever mentioned it so I guess all is fine

[Jihm in reply to tallyho]

That is good to hear, tallyho. Some sites say that it increases the risk for glaucoma - which I already have. Hence my concern.

[tallyho in reply to Jihm]

I have glaucoma too as well as DMO, NPDR and OMG ( diplopia and ptosis)

[Jihm in reply to tallyho]

Very sorry to hear, tallyho. Best of luck to you.