Since I had quadruple heart bypass I was on 11 new tablets .Everything was ok until I’ve been out on some new tablets.Now I am getting cramps,aching joints and I’ve had to stop going with walking groups because of pain in legs.
The common denominator here seems to be aspirin,it seems to clash with every other medication.I also take clopidogrel and google says I shouldn’t be on both.The GPS don’t take notice but this is getting me down.
Anyone else having these problems???
I had aches and pains develop a few months after quadruple bypass surgery last July. I’m now on my 3rd statin , at a low dose with a view to increasing it if needed /appropriate . There were other side effects at the time , it shut me down as well . I didn’t want to move much. Hard to tell which drug or combination causes the issues , but I’m feeling a lot better now. Also on aspirin, clopidogrel, pantaprazole, 1.25mg bisoprolol and half a tablet of 1.25 Ramipril ( plus 10mg Rosuvastatin).
Google isn’t a doctor or pharmacist. You do, however, need to talk to your GP about any issues you are having. And you need to be persistent if they seem to be brushing your concerns aside.
In fact Clopidogrel is prescribed together with aspirin as anti-platelet treatment in the case of heart attack or other circumstances where blood clots are a risk. Without these drugs there is a heightened risk of a stroke or heart attack.
The aspirin will be for life, I’ve the same sort of situation where I’m on Ticagrelor which is an anti-platelet and I’m on aspirin for life now. I don’t have any issues with my current drugs but I have had, before the aspirin was prescribed, terrible leg cramps caused by one of my blood pressure medications. Needless to say I’m no longer on that one.
Can I ask if that was Atorvastatin ? I was increased from 40mg to 80mg per day and now get daily calf cramping which I wasnt before so thats where my suspicions are. Been on aspirin and bisoprolol (and others) for nearly 3 yrs without cramping. Thanks.❤️🩹
The most recent to have that effect was Amlodopine but Atorvastatin did it as well. I’ve no real issues with my current long term medication other than the Bisoprolol which can make me very tired.
I’m also on Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe and I have no issues with those, Rosuvastatin is, so far, the only statin I tolerate. I’ve had bad side effects from all the others which is awkward as it seems I might have a genetic pre-disposition to higher than average cholesterol levels according to my GP. I’ve only been on Rosuvastatin since my OHS last June though.
Ramipril gave me issues as well, I’m on Losartan there (maximum dose!). My blood pressure is stable in the 120’s/70’s range which is nice. Anything over 140 for any period of time and I’m supposed to contact my cardiac team.
I do still get the odd twinge of cramp in my hips but it is tolerable/manageable now unlike previously when I just had to squat or sit cross legged and it would trigger the cramp. It made picking up heavy items very awkward along with delving into cupboards and that sort of thing.
Reading this back it sounds as if I’m a mess but I’m actually living life normally and doing everything I used to do if not a bit more. I just have to remember my meds.
Hi Like you have had Atorvastatin increased from 40 to 80mg. As well experiencing increase in muscular and joint discomforts,especially noticeble when waking up. Gets better througout the day. Also seem more prone to sprains which take longer to heal. My other meds bisoporol 2.5,aspirin and metformin. Even stopped drinking whisky to see what might be effective!🙄🙄
I was on aspirin and Clopigogrel after HA, but it isn't always for life. In my case it was Clopidogrel for 6 months and aspirin for a year. Initially, I was on 10 meds a day. Think I took more pills in that 6 months than my previous 62 years. Now, nearly 5 years and a CABG later, I have just 3. Apixaban, a statin, and a proton pump inhibitor.
I’ve been told by the cardiac team that the aspirin and, probably, the bisoprolol will be for life. The other drugs I take (6 more) will be subject to review. One of those stops next month in any case.
following this as the only real issue I’ve had is leg pains and cramps and I love hill walking but my legs ache really bad.
It’s meant to be statins that cause these issues - maybe it is? Muscle pains are quite common side effects. I’m on a different kind of statins and still get issues
I’ve also read that Ramipril and similar can increase urination so increases dehydration and mineral deficiency.
I’m not taking aspirin at the moment but I’m on a different blood thinner. Haven’t heard it causes those issues but I really want this sorted.
On the assumption that you are on a relatively high dose statin you should talk to your GP about the possibility of a statin side effect of muscle and joint aches and pains which are, for some, one of the most commonly experienced side effects , and from anecdotal evidence on here seemingly mostly affecting legs. Your GP should listen to you sympathetically and not dismiss your concerns and should be willing try other statins which may not have the same side effect, although that is not guaranteed. And if statins are found to be the cause of your aches and pains but you are found to be statin intolerant, there are other forms of medication to manage your cholesterol should it be decided such management is necessary.
👋 Hi wardywill, Clopidgrel & Aspirin appear to be parr for the course following Bypass surgery for 12mths in the UK. Stateside from what I've heard (please don't quote me on this) it would appear that it's often 90days as there's some research that the risk of a bleed exceeds that of a clot.
I found 4mths post Bypass the side effects of my medications were making my life miserable and after talking to my GP and a long talk with a very sympathetic nurse at BHF I dropped all my medications except Aspirin + low dose Omeprazole.
One of the side effects from my medications was a muscle strain lower left hand calf which rightly or wrongly I attribute to Atorvastatin. I still feel a twinge now and then 😕 .
The sad truth is all statins restrict the ability of the liver to produce cholesterol which will manifest itself in various side effects. However, the current medical consensus is that the benefits of statin therapy outweigh any side effects.
In short I doubt it very much that a baby Aspirin is the culprit I would definitely look elsewhere.
Hope you get it sorted,
Best wishes, Denis
Hi Wardywill
After my Quadruple Bypass I was put on Atorvastatin. From my experience I would say your leg pains and cramps are very likely to be your Statin. My GP changed my statin as my quality of life was rubbish and I could hardly walk with pains in my legs and the hip cramps were so tight they restricted all movement.
I was changed to Rosustatin and it is 90% better. I hope this helps?
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Overnight leg pains from statins
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