Tapering and blood pressure meds ?

[Buttonshutton]

I am tapering on rheumatologists instruction by 2.5 per week over 6 weeks (posted re this before to perform a scan without pred masking anything). Since then been prescribed meds for blood pressure as was high. I'm now on 12.5 pred and my blood pressure is in the normal range finally. Just wondering because pred can raise it in the first place, could the taper cause it to go too low with the Ramipril I am taking for my blood pressure. I'm going to call my GP tomorrow as this has just struck me. But thought would ask on here in the meantime. I'm on a low dose of Ramipril 2.5mg? Wondered if anyone else had experience of it. Also I understand the taper reasoning but I think it's way too fast. Feel rubbish with stiffness and seem to have problems needing the loo a lot. Not sure if related. Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

You are correct in your thinking about Pred affecting your BP, but unless you had particularly low readings before you started it, I doubt it will drop that much. As you are on a very low dose of Ramipril you should be okay, but obviously if you begin to feel lightheaded or woozy you need to speak to doctor.

As for your taper, yes it is fast, and you will feel rubbish, but if it’s required, then afraid you’ll have to grin and bear it.

Not sure needing the loo more is connected….may be just a coincidence…unless you have an infection, so might be worth monitoring it.

[Buttonshutton in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi. Thank you for replying. No my bp was high normal before pred so perhaps I'll be ok. I'm in a find something to worry about cycle at the moment I think. I do feel rubbish. Then keep reading about adrenal crisis and worrying over that. Need to give my head a wobble I think. Thank you again.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Buttonshutton]

It’s very normal to be worry - and obviously if you feel really bad, then you need to speak to Rheumy urgently.

[Buttonshutton in reply to DorsetLady]

I'm seeing her next Tuesday so I'll speak with her then. I don't feel really bad other than the stiffness is back. Sorry I'm exaggerating. Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Buttonshutton]

Don’t apologise- but do discuss with her. It’s very easy for doctors to say -reduce your steroids, not so easy to do…

[123mossie]

Hi, I’ve been on Ramipril since well before starting pred, im now down to 2.5 & the ramipril didn’t affect the bp.

[Buttonshutton in reply to 123mossie]

Hi. Thank you for this