My husband is taking Carvedilol, Lisinopril and Spironolactone. I am concerned about the side effects of taking so many medicines. He is also taking Atorvastatin, Warfarin, and Plavix.
Is is necessary to take (3) different blood pressure medicines?
Question posted by curvish on 6 Sep 2013
Last updated on 6 September 2013
Added 6 Sep 2013:
Thank you for your reply. I feel so helpless. The cardiologist seems to just want to prescribe pills, more pills. When I ask questions, I feel like I am taking up the doctor's time and being annoying.
Last week we went to a ball game. My husband was lucky enough to catch a ball at the game. When we returned home, I noticed that his entire stomach was completely covered in a dark purple bruise. So he stopped taking the Plavix (because this is a new medicine and he has never bruised like that before). Tried to call the doctor about this , and his nurse called back two days later and simply said "he needs it".
All the medicine is the result of a blot clot in his leg 2 years ago which resulted in tests that revealed he had a previous "silent" heart attack. He is 57, about 40 lbs. overweight, but eats healthy and works out every day. And all recent tests show that his blood pressure is good now and there is no change in his heart function. So why can't he stop taking all these meds?
3 Answers
gkenwill
6 Sep 2013
Plavix and warfarin would be my concern. He's bruising too much if his entire stomach area was bruised after catching a ball. He's not on a lot of bp medicine in comparison to what I take.
DzooBaby
6 Sep 2013
Yes sometimes it takes more than one drug to keep pressure down. It is more concerning what uncontrolled high blood pressure can do to a body's organs though. High blood pressure is the "silent killer" because it isnt "felt" by a person except perhaps in some, headaches. It can cause problems with the heart, kidneys and it is a leading cause of strokes so it is important to keep it under control. I would be more concerned with taking Warafrin and Plavix together!!
DzooBaby
6 Sep 2013
It is because he is taking his meds that his blood pressure is so good! If he stopped taking his medicine, his pressure would shoot up again. It is not the kind of thing that you can stop when you are better. Blood pressure meds are a lifetime deal usually. If his cardiologist wont answer questions and rushes you, you need to put your foot down and insist he answer your questions or you will find someone who will. You are hiring him to take care of you, you pay him so he is not doing you a favor! Like any other service, insist you get the service or you fire them and find someone better! Sometimes you have to put your foot down and advocate for yourself. It is easy for them to just ignore you otherwise. Dont be afraid to speak up. If someone was fixing your car and acted like this wouldnt you say something? Same thing! Dont be intimidated by a Dr.! He squats on the toilet like anyone else! Your husband needs an INR level if he is bruising like that and I have never seen someone on both warfarin AND Plavix. I would really tell you to get a second opinion!
kaismama
6 Sep 2013
He's taking both warfarin and plavix? The bleeding risks when taking both of them is high. I would question that. Its not uncommon for someone to take 2 or 3 bp meds in order to get their bp down. He's really only taking 2 actual bp meds, as spironalactone is a water pill. I take 2 bp meds and a water pill, without any problems.
DzooBaby
6 Sep 2013
We both had the same concern! When I wrote my answer, yours wasnt there but great minds think alike!
Related topics
plavix, high blood pressure, heart attack, myocardial infarction, atorvastatin, carvedilol, spironolactone, warfarin, side effect, medicine, blood pressure
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