Hi,
I have 800-1000 mg. proteinuria. I'm on 25 mg. of losartan and new Dr. wants to double it. I'm apprehensive about it as I am 118 lb. 5'6" 61 yr old. My old neph whom I had from start didn't want to increase when I asked her last year. I've heard it can backfire on you. Anyone with experience with increasing dose and if so how did you do? Thanks1
Hi OceansplashI was put on Losartan at the beginning of my diagnosis. I started suffering from knee and foot pain. My hair was falling out in clumps daily. I presumed at first it was the steroids. After a lot of research I realised it was the Losartan. I ended up taking myself off it and my joint pain ceased. I was then persauaded by my consultant's assistant to go back on it. She prescribed a high dose, due to my proteinuria. Reluctantly I agreed. I faithfully took this dose for 4 weeks. The joint pain and hair loss came back...big time. However it was my GFR that infuriated me. My GFR had been at 44. I was stable in the 40s for 2 years. After a month on a high dose of Losartan, it was 33. It had made no difference to the Proteinuria. I was never able to get back in the 40s again. My gfr started to decline rapidly after that. I am now on dialysis. I have put in my notes, I never want prescribed Losartan again. Sometimes I think medical staff just tick boxes, when trying to treat patients. They don't listen to the experiences of individuals. Sorry i don't mean to scare you, however that was my experience. Please do your research and listen to your body. Wishing you all the best.
Hi, so sorry this happened to you! It seems I've read others saying it lowered their gfr as well. He prescribed and I haven't taken it. I have knee pain as well now with the 25 mg. so I think I'll hold off. This same neph told me I'd never reach end stage in my lifetime (I'm 61) but didn't bother to read my history and that I have fsgs, not age related ckd. I'm changing Dr.'s right away. I went from 1800 down to 700mg. protein in urine, last test 1047 mg. with the 25 mg. and veg. diet.
Was on low dose Losartan once day. Had arrythmias and dehydration. That's how it affected me, but Neph. I saw in Sept. said "it's used to protect kidneys." Also first-line choice vs Ace inhibitors for CKD. There are other ARB's that may not cause same side effects. Explore.May try Irbesartan instead of Losartan if b/p becomes more elevated. Drugs affect people differently.
Ziggydoodah, so sorry about your rapid decline in GFR.😥.
Hi oceansplash. Was Losartan increased because of proteinuria or elevation in b/p or both? I empathize with your apprehension about increased dose. Definitely a dilemma and worrisome to have proteinuria. Is there another Neph you can talk to and get second opinion or other rx recommendation? Can't hurt to try. Let us know how it goes.🙏
Will do. I am changing neph's and won't go again for a couple months. I am taking losartan for proteinuria, it hasn't done a thing for bp. I'm on amlodipine too and that works. I would not take losartan if it weren't for the proteinuria. I'd say it works pretty darn good for that except the muscle pain/knee issues! Dr.'s tell me it's in my head... B.S. I'm a pretty mellow person but when I do get upset the proteinuria shoots way up. I also take coq10 200 mg. When salt intake increases so does my proteinuria but I can't go too low or I experience low sodium symptoms like memory problems and can't think straight. Scary...
I've had protein and a small amount of blood in my urine for years, come to find out I have a genetic mutation that causes kidney failure along with my retina and hearing issues. We tried Losartan at an extremely low dose but it raised my potassium so neph discontinued it's use.
My hubby has been on multiple types of blood pressure meds, one of which produced lots of edema and forced him into dialysis. Looking back, we wish we had passed all blood pressure changes through his cardiologist, who was stunned that the nephrologist hadn't consulted with him about that final change that collapsed his kidneys. A nephrologist is not a vascular expert. So a word to the wise - please, please bring your cardiologist into these decisions. It needs to be "team" decision. Or you may well become a "shoulda, coulda, woulda" regret person like me and my hubby.
Darlenia, have future appt. with cardio scheduled > a month ago. Will of course provide hx, etc. Have not resumed Losartan, despite change in blood pressure. Switched from Losartan to Metoprolol due to arrythmias/SVT. Metoprolol keeping HR regular, also lowers b/p. Have had no side effects since October.
Amazing how drugs affect people so differently. Appears we definitely need to focus on our own bodies signals/signs when something doesn't feel right! I appreciate my medical providers efforts... They are overworked and overwhelmed. I try to help myself by helping them help me and being proactive with my healthcare. It's a team effort.🙂
I was on 50 mg Losartan for years until I was stage 5. They took me off it because it caused hyperkalemia (potassium overload) Before that I was suspecting that med was causing me problems and I voluntarily started cutting it in half. I find it is just as important to listen to your body as it is the drs.
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