Ckd 2 and Amlodipine

[Live4Hope]

I'm taking a low dose of Amlodipine now and Lisinopril to regulate blood pressure. I've read there have been some evidence of calcium blockers contributing to progression. I'm checking sources with conflicting views. Any input from the group? Thanks for your time!

[bumblebee_tuna]

I haven’t heard anything in that regards but might be good to run it by a nephrologist. Are you seeing one? You might want to ask about Farxiga, I think it also lowers blood pressure to some extent.

[Live4Hope in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

I haven't seen one yet. I have an appointment scheduled for July the third but have been trying to get in sooner. I thought about trying another Nephrologist office but the one I was referred to is Nephrologist owned and from what I've read the offices not contracted to a hospital tend to provide better service and are more up to date on the most recent studies. I've heard of Farxiga, I heard it has been really effective in protecting kidney function. Adding the Amlodipine has definitely decreased my blood pressure, I needed one little nudge to be in range but I'm monitoring to make sure it doesn't make my blood pressure too low. My GP said that this is a well tolerated combination and has no impact on the kidneys.

[CuriousCKD in reply to Live4Hope]

I have been on Farxiga for 2 years now, and my GFR has remained in the 25% range. I have been advised by two doctors that Farxiga is the one most important drug for me to remain keep taking.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I am on a very low dose of amlodipine and have been for over a year. No issues. It was just enough to help keep my BP in check. My husband has been on Farxiga for over a year or so and it has been wonderful for him. It helped bring his GFR up and protein gone. Do now the Neph wants to see him only twice a year.

[Live4Hope]

That's amazing. I'm so happy for him and you as well. How much protein did he have in his urine to begin with?

[mybirdbuddie]

Hi Live4Hope, I have been on lisinopril 10mg for the past 8 years and have never had any after effects what-so-ever. I suffer from heart failure with the usual expected problems. I believe lisinopril to be a very safe medication. I do hope this helps to allay any fears you may have.

[Live4Hope in reply to mybirdbuddie]

I appreciate your input very much. How long have you been dealing with heart failure if you don't mind me asking? Can you share your experience?

[mybirdbuddie in reply to Live4Hope]

Hi Live4Hope, I have had heart failure for the past 10 years which resulted in many overnight visits to A & E at the beginning due to atrial fibrillation, the last visit ending up in resus with a heart beat off the clock!! Resulting from that particular visit was the insertion of my pacemaker. Unfortunately all did not go well and some 19 months later, a further operation removing the pacemaker from the left to right side of my chest (September last year) sorted out the problem and I am living happily ever after...not taking into account am now recovering from lung cancer where 3 weeks ago the top right lobe was removed...however being a pretty fit 87 year old I live to tell the story.

[Darlenia]

Sometimes it's important to keep an eye on the big picture. It's the high blood pressure that "blows out" the filtration vessels and units inside your kidneys...not so much the bad side of tablets and pills. So it's exceptionally important to keep in mind to normalize the pressure by whatever means. Usually, for mild hypertension, diuretics are can be recommended. For moderate hypertension, calcium channel blockers can be suggested. For high hypertension, ace inhibitors can be brought up. For really severe hypertension, one might wind up taking 4 or more from all sorts of categories. And if all that fails, dialysis is introduced to bring it down. The big concern, at that point, is to prevent strokes and heart attacks - which can take a person quickly. So, that's it...in a nutshell. I watched my hubby go through all of that.

With regard to Farxiga, it it's important to know the underlying condition that is driving the hypertension. Diabetic kidney disease is glucose driven. Farxiga blocks sugar - removing approximately 70 grams of sugar in the urine per day and improving A1Cs. Indeed, Farxiga is primarily a med for diabetics. However, it can also help others in that it also reduces excess sodium and water allowing the heart and other organs to work more efficiently. And that process introduces a modest reduction in blood pressure (think of diuretics). But because it can suppress appetite, people often lose weight lowering the blood pressure even more as the heart doesn't have to pump so hard to force the blood around a greater body mass. So think about your underlying condition, your weight status, your current blood pressure stats, and your lab reports (what does it say about your sodium, sugar, and more). And always make sure your hypertension is controlled by whatever means for a nice long life ahead. I think you'll do fine - you're interested and that's a wonderful thing.

[Marvin8 in reply to Darlenia]

A superb response!

[Live4Hope in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks for the input! I've been really working hard on the blood pressure. I'd like to get the protein in my urine dealt with next. My blood pressure has been good staying in the 122/82 and with the new med it has dropped to 119/74. I lost about 86 pounds (already in the process before I knew anything) so I'm hoping that will help. I get trapped in my head sometimes thinking of the worst but I've gotten a lot of support from people like yourself which really helps me keep going. Sugar is normal, sodium normal, potassium normal, most of my charts are normal except for the creatine and occasionally my calcium is a little high but not all the time. I really appreciate your advice, I'll be re-readinf this often.

[oceansplash in reply to Darlenia]

Wow, great response. I'm 3a and doctor wants me to take it. I have low sodium 129-130, 15 lb. underweight and ac1 of 5.4. I have proteinuria around 500. Doesn't sound too safe for me plus my insurance doesn't cover it. Like over $200 month. Does it sound like I'd be a candidate???

[Darlenia in reply to oceansplash]

Aw...thank you! I'm not a doctor; I simply can't advise anyone re meds, etc. It would scare me to do so, frankly. I will say that it's very important to sit down with your doctor and have a nice, detailed conversation with him/her. Don't let him rush off or brush you off. Ask for little extra time with him when you make your next appointment. It could be that the dose would be very low and wouldn't affect your sodium, your appetite, etc. It's "likely" he sees something in the science of your body that would benefit more from that drug than the others. Ask him about that interaction. Can a drug in your insurance plan do the same thing? It's very calming and reassuring when you know why something is suggested. I know you'll do very well lobbing a few questions in your doctor's direction - all of us on this forum have inquisitive minds or we wouldn't be here. Right? And it's very empowering when you know you and your doctor are partners...mutually making decisions that are are understandable and beneficial. Go forth in confidence.