Could one simple change in medication change my GFR? I have COPD, Atrial fibrillation, High Blood Pressure, plus.

[hj1122]

Six months ago my eGFR was 41, then in Oct it was 38. My doctor suggest I cut the dosage of Losartan from 50mg to 25 mg, test my BP and come back in 2 weeks for another blood test. Well I just got the results of the last test and my eGFR is now 50. IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE? I am glad if it is, but I also don't understand why I have been taking a BP med that has evidently been harming my kidneys. What other med might be doing the same. I take 4 Rx from the cardiologist, 3 from pulmonary. What is a good website for me to find out what other meds may be causing kidney disease.

[jodaer]

Drugs.com is the best resource to answer your questions re drugs

[hj1122 in reply to jodaer]

I did use Drugs.com and found that more than one more of the drugs I am taking has potential to harm my kidneys. And some supplements I am taking also may be harmful. I am cutting another drug in half and I will have to do more research on what to do about the others. Doctors seem to be offended when I suggest alternatives.

[tonyng42]

What’s your BP before and after the Losartan dosage reduction? I’m on Losartan as well, and it has helped greatly in keeping my BP in the high 70s-low 80s. Anyway, with Losartan, at the beginning of a new dosage you can get an increase in creatinine levels - resulting in lower eGfr numbers, but if your BP is high, you are ultimately putting greater stress on your kidneys.

[hj1122 in reply to tonyng42]

Thank you for your input. I have been taking Losartan 50mg for several years. My eGFR was down to 38, Creatinine 1.39. After cutting the Losartan dose in half I took my BP twice a day for two weeks. After the two weeks the doc did more labs. My average BP was 133/62 and Creatinine 1.10, eGFR 50. It is hard to believe that little change made such a difference. And I hope it is real. Then there is another factor I must not forget. I was praying for God to have favor and so was my family. He does answer prayer.

[HisLittleOne in reply to hj1122]

AMEN! He most certainly does answer prayer 🙏 He has for me in a very big way. Praise the LORD! \0/

[hj1122 in reply to HisLittleOne]

\O/

[tonyng42]

wow, congrats!!

[Hily]

Yes. I had gout on Allopurinol . My pharmacist, when my eGFR dropped by 3 numbers suggested half dose to see how it went. Been on half dose since Feb and no gout.

[watcher513]

Talk to a pharmacist and ask about your medications and any interaction they may have for kidney function.

[hj1122]

Good advice, will do.

[PecanSandie]

Yes it's possible. It happened to me. I read an article that said in some RARE cases Losartan, which is generally well tolerated by people with CKD, can be not so good. I brought this up with my doctor and she changed me to Metoprolol. My eGFR when from 36 to 41 (but now it's going back down again - not sure why).

[hj1122]

I am also taking Metoprolol along with the Losartan.

[Futureckd]

Hi,

Yes Losartan increases creatinine and lowers egfr , it is a known fact. When my neph prescribed Losartan she was clear on that and asked me not to worry because once stopping Losartan , eGFR numbers will get back up. Losartan improves the kidney on the long run. They give Losartan for a main reason that is lowering protein leakage in urine. Second, cardiologists like Losartan because it helps improving the heart health for certain people. My cardiologist prescribed 50mg daily but my neph asked to take only 12.5mg for the above reason. All good and well known for doctors. Glad your egfr is back up.