Thursday saw the delivery of a new Novartis drug: Tekturna (aliskiren). None of us had any idea what it was for, so we looked it up on Facts and Comparisons, and there was next to no information whatsoever, except that it is a “direct renin inhibitor” — whatever that meant.
Now that I’m home on a non-firewalled Internet connection, I can actually get real drug information. (How sad is it that I can’t do this at the pharmacy?) Aliskiren:
Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor, decreasing plasma renin activity (PRA) and inhibiting the conversion of angiotensinogen to Ang I. Whether aliskiren affects other RAAS components, e.g., ACE or non-ACE pathways, is not known
I’m sure you could play games targeting specific points and pathways in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system until the cows come home, but how many of them will be meaningful? Medscape has an article comparing, contrasting, and using Diovan and Tekturna in parallel:
Do we need Tekturna? Would not an ARB plus a diuretic do a better job? There are benefits to combining an ACEi with an ARB, that are fairly well understood. Is Tekturna going to create some sort of super trifecta?
I’m thinking not. Combining an ACEi with an ARB does a couple of things. First off, ACE inhibitors only stop the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Blocking the pathway there does nothing to stop any non-specific binding to the angiotensin II receptor sites. ARBs block much of this non-specific binding because the receptor sites themselves are blocked. However ACEis also block the breakdown of bradkinin (which is broken down by ACE) which leads to greater vasodilation, which is why ACEis and ARBs are usually similar is study results. Bradykinins, of course, are a double-edged sword: they may contribute to vasodilation, but they are also responsible for the dry cough and angioedema associated with ACEis.
I don’t see how aliskiren is going to add to this. Is there component to the RAAS that I’m not thinking of? Is it not better to attack a problem from many different angles instead of hitting the same pathway three different ways?
I was prescribed 150mg of Tekturna today for HBP. I was on Lotensin (ACE) for 6 years and it caused horrible depression and I didnt even realize that was the culprit until I went off it a few months ago. My cardiologist switched me to a calcium channel blocker and immediately notced I felt fantastic–elivated mood, desire to exercise again and increased interest in my normal hobbies, etc. I felt like my old self again. BUT–it caused edema. My feet blew up and my throat felt tight and restricted. So, they tinkered and toyed with various different calcium channel blockers and then put me back on Lotensin. Within two weeks I felt like I was falling into a horrible depression again. I would rather not take anything than feel that blue. So–we are going to try Tekturna. I am hoping it works for me. I am running out of choices. I even offered to be a guinea pig for the HBP vaccine that is being worked on. I hope Tekturna works for me.
Good luck with the Tekturna. I’ve been on it 2 months now.
Have tried everything in the book and I’m either allergic to it
or some bad reaction
So far Tekturna doesn’t seem to have any side effects at 300mg,
but my BP is not down as much as it should. I’m sticking with
it for now.
What tests have people had for their hypertension? I have been on 150 Tekturna + 5 Norvasc. Not any side effects except occasional fluid in under my eyes when I wake up in the morning. BP still very high. This Thursday I will have a Renal Arterial Stenosis Ultrasound to see if I have kidney problems.
Is anyone familiar with this test? What tests have people had to rule out secondary causes of their hight BP?
Nancy–I had the Renal Arterial Stenosis Ultrasound within a week or so of my HBP being discovered. It’s totally non-invasive, although I could have lived without the prep:) Yes they were looking for kidney problems. I’ve also been on a 24 hour BP monitor and had two 24 hour urine samples analysed as well as the usual blood work. I’ve been on Tekturna 150 since June. I’ve had less side effects with the Tekturna than any of the multiple other BP drugs I tried, although it is not perfect.
I just had a follow up doctor appointment after being on Tekturna for a bit over 1 year. Extensive blood and urine work up-all came back perfect. Cholesterol went down too- although wasn’t very high to start. Still no side effects and BP is controlled when no other BP med worked.I will be tapering back from 300 MG a day to 150 as BP is often now too low. I did ask the doctor the benefit that renin had on the body and the effects of a total blocking of renin in the body. He said it was a very good question- but didn’t answer me. Anyone know the answer?
Nancy,
I had a kidney angiogram, treadmill tests with die, CT scans and a special MRI looking for a small pheo tumor that secrets cortisol and other hormones that raise BP. Initially I had ‘malignant BP’ meaning it went fron very normal to very high suddenly and wasn’t responding to medications so they thought I had this pheo tumor. All came back fine and the hardest part of the tests was being still in the machine. For the angiogram, I was in a hospital given a wonderful coctail that kept me relaxed but somewhat aware. It was actually interesting.
Nancy,
I had a kidney angiogram, treadmill tests with dye, CT scans and a special MRI looking for a small pheo tumor that secrets cortisol and other hormones that raise BP. Initially I had ‘malignant BP’ meaning it went fron very normal to very high suddenly and wasn’t responding to medications so they thought I had this pheo tumor. All came back fine and the hardest part of the tests was being still in the scanning machines for so long- I am a bit claustrophobic. For the angiogram, I was in a hospital given a wonderful coctail that kept me relaxed but somewhat aware. It was actually interesting.
response to Debbie re: what is renin. See this web page for info on renin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renin
hi Guys:
I just started Tekturna 150mg last week. I also take Cartia 300mg and Benacar. I have had HBP for 20 some years.
Today, after physical therapy (I had back surgery 4 months ago) that my BP was all the way down to 80/50 AFTER EXERCISE!
When I first started taking Tekturna, I felt drunk and my speech was slurred. I hope my body gets use to this drug soon!!!!
Chuck
I am still on Tekturna + Norvasc. BP somewhate lowered but not great 142/77 average. Does anyone know about that little square thing (maybe a preservative) that comes in the Tekturna script? My latest refill didn’t have it and I read somewhere that it was important to keep it in there. Should I contact the pharmacist about it?
It’s just a silica gel absorbent cylinder/packet that absorbs any moisture that might get into the bottle to ruin the integrity of the tablets. This is particularly important if you store your tablets in a humid area (like the bathroom).
It’s harmless; it just keeps the tablets fresh. Throw it away when you’re done. In the pharmacy, we actually throw them away as soon as we open a new bottle because they can interfere with getting the tablets out of the bottle, but the pharmacy is also kept at a controlled temperature and humidity, so we don’t have to worry about such things as much.
Hi listers,
I’m glad I ran across this forum this morning. I wish I would have searched for it sooner. You all have validated all of my suspicions and questions.
I also have high BP, which seems to be quite erratic at times as well. I have been taking my bp every morning and evening and keeping the results in a log. I’ve had two heart attacks in 2007 – one in April, and one in August. In June, 2008 I thought I was having another one, but it was high bp that was the culprit of me going to the ER.
BP info:
The average is 160/115.
Highs are 190/140, and
Lows are 120/112.
Pulse averages at 110-120.
Last April, when I had a major heart attack, my BP (taken by the ambulance EMT kid) was 290/190. That’s not a typo (and I also saw the “white light”). It was a frightening experience. I am 43 now, average in every way, 5’11”, 185, not overweight, and I play softball every weekend. There seems to be no explanation for my high bp, except that it does run in my family.
In August, 2007, I had the same issue. I went to the ER, was admitted, and had a stent installed in one of my arteries. When it was over, the cardiologist told me (actually scorned me-it seemed like he was implying that his time and efforts were just wasted) that he didn’t see anything wrong with my heart nor arteries, and I should ask my regular doctor about investigating a possible ulcer that was causing me pain. What a jerk he was (Dr. Chen of St. Joseph’s in Atlanta).
These are the BP drugs my doctor has precribed for me, and the results:
1) Lisinopril 10mg 1x a day: BAD.
This drug seemed to lower my bp to an average of about 143/112. However, for many weeks I felt fatigued/tired, diahrrea, and brain-foggy. It was awful. I couldn’t focus on anything, and spent the days wondering what to do. I just sat there at my desk at work, trying to focus and figure out what I should be doing. In fact, looking back now, I am sure that if I had my wits about me, I’d have quit taking it sooner, but this pill made me lose control over my good sense (i.e., brain-fog).
I told my boss about the situation, and he snapped at me and told me to drink more coffee if I felt tired and was having trouble focusing. Ugh.
2) Zetia 10mg 1x a day: BAD
This was an add-on bp drug that I was supposed to take in addition to the Lisinopril, since Lisinopril was bringing the bp down only a little bit. This one made my heart race, and gave me high anxiety. I felt like I was on the edge, and ready to argue with anyone who got near me. I quit taking this one after three days.
3) Norvasc (Amlodipine) 5mg 1x a day: BAD.
I took the first pill at night just before bed. When I woke up, my right eye was swollen shut and I had eye mucus all over my eye, face, and pillow. During the day, the swelling went down. I thought it might have been because I let the dogs sleep in the room with me, and something in the air caused me to have an allergic reaction. I took the second pill the second evening, and when I woke up the right eye was swollen shut again, much mucus again, and the left eye and forehead were swollen. I had to take a vacation day off from work. I quit taking this pill immediately, and it took about two weeks for the eye swelling to go away. Of course, I didn’t take my bp for several days because I was preoccupied with the eye and facial swelling situation.
4) Clonidine 0.1mg 2x a day: BAD
I was taking this one twice a day, and quit taking it in the morning after two mornings. This pill makes me extremely tired, so I only took it at night before bedtime. Within 30 minutes of taking it, I was off to bed because it made me so sleepy. No change in bp readings from the average.
At this point in my bp medicine-taking drug career, I was getting used to noticing differences from the (my) normalcy pretty easily.
5) Benicar 20mg 1x a day: BAD
Either the Lisinopril residue in my body was now gone, or the Benicar didn’t have the “brain-fog” side effect on me. I felt alert and aware again after taking this one. Hooray! Heart palitations and chest pains – in the exact same place it hurt when I had the first heart attack in April, 2007. No change in bp readings from the average.
6) Nitroglycerine tablets 0.1 mg as needed:
I’m having to take a 0.1 mg of nitro tablet to stop the heart/chest pains. This little thing gives me a Major rush, tons of dizziness and bad headaches. I was taking three of these in a 2 hour period, to stop the chest pains. The doc’s nurse told me that if I had to take more than 2, I should go to the ER. I asked her, “what are they going to do for me when I get there.. Give me another one? Hell, I can do that myself.”
7 or 5a) Benicar 40mg 1x a day: BAD
More and more frequent heart / chest pains and heart palpitations. I quit taking this one as of today. No change in bp readings from the average.
My doc’s nurse called me back after I left a message for her, and told me that my doc told me that we’re just about out of options. TekTurna’s next and last on the list of available drugs for me. My doctor’s assistant told me that she would have some samples of TekTurna at the front desk in the doc’s office for me to pick up.
8) TekTurna 150mg 1x a day:
I picked up the samples yesterday afternoon, and started researching side effects and other people’s reactions to taking this one. Are you frigging kidding me? I’m not taking this one nor another one, even if there was one available.
Not one single bp pill has brought my bp down lower than 140’s/115. I’d rather my bp sit where it has been all my life, at 160’s/120 (which evidently is normal for my body) than to subject myself to the horrible side effects. I’m going to see an actupunturist and an asian/eastern medicine man for advise.
I’m frustrated with bp medicines and their side effects.
I’m tired just reading all the meds you have taken. Did any of your doctors check your kidneys? The kidneys are very important in blood pressure. Last summer, before I realized I had a kidney infection, my BP was everywhere even though I was taking Avalide. Finally ended up in the ER and testa showed I also had a tumor growing (transitional cell carcinoma they said it was). Anyway, had to lose my kidney and now I’m on my “BP Career” since last year. Nothing seems to help bring down the BP to a normal level. I tried Tekturna for 4 days and that was enough for me. I take Avalpro, Clonidine, Lisinopril currently. Dr prescribed Norvasc this week but I haven’t started that yet. Maybe your doctor has already checked out your kidneys, but if not, I would suggest it.
Yes. In fact, I had a long list of bloodwork tests done just about three months ago. All came back normal. :) Thanks for reading and asking a great question.
And, on another note, I’m not embarrassed to discuss the other side effects that one, some, or all of them had on me. I can’t tell which did it, but for sure Lisinopril was the first culprit.
1) Hair loss. I started losing alot of hair once I started taking these bp pills.
2) Slow hair growth and virtually no fingernail growth.
It took me awhile to figure this one out. I usually have to cut my fingernails about once a week, and — since I quit taking these pills — I noticed that I had to cut them. And, I have to get a haircut about once every two weeks. I hadn’t gone to get a haircut in two months. I thought for a few minutes, and I recall not having to cut my nails in almost two months! Wow. Really.. no kidding. Strange side effects, but I definitely attribute these two issues to the bp pills. There is no other explanation at all.
3) ED – erectile issues.
I don’t think I have to explain this one. Personally, I can’t think of any reason whatsoever that any pill I ever take would be good for me if ED is a side effect. Where’s my common sense? I’m certainly NOT EVER going to take viagra or cialis AGAIN to initiate a Mr. woody and have the worst heartburn, purple vision, stuffed up head, nose, and ringing ears!! With these horrible side effects from taking Those pills, I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.
Swelling of face and hands, loss of balance, fatigue and a lot of time on the toilet. Cannot seem to keep food in my system.
Frank: My BP is still very high and I don’t like Tekturna one bit. The acupuncture might help but the kidney tests that were referred are not blood tests. It is usually an MRA with contrast. Have you done that? It is very important to have that checked out.
Also, how is your metabolic panel, C-Reactive protein, have all those tests been administered?
the doctors rely too much on the pills. There are so many books on heart issues that show alternatives but with high blood pressure and history you need some good medical advice. I am still hopeful. I See a new cardiologist on Wed.
For several years, I controlled my bp with diovan hct. Out of
the blue, it went up, not much, but just a little over what my
doc wanted: maybe 140/92. He wanted me to double dose the diovan. I thought it was too much, so I normal dosed one day &
double dosed the next. I went back in a couple weeks & it was
still up some. I really felt I had sinus prob. or maybe some
stress I could not put my finger on. Anyway, he put me on Exforge. It’s really keeping my bp down; even lower than b4, but now I get terrible hot flashes(I’m a man) always around the
same time each night & a lot when I’m exercising @ my fit. center. The last three days, I have had a metallic taste in my
mouth. I wonder if this is a delayed reaction to Exforge? Does anyone else have these problems?
I started Tekturna last Friday, waiting for it to bring my bp down. I had started off with Benicar, which did great for two years, no side effects, but quit working, bp went up, way up and doc put me on Benicar hct the lowest dosage. After a couple of weeks, my pressure was like 74/65 and I could hardly move, I was drinking water and liquids to try and keep my fluid levels up.
After months of this, I went back and he took blood work, my sodium was extremely low. Said I didnt really need the diurectic in benicar, so he switched me to this med. He told me nothing about it, what the side effects are, nothing, gave me samples for 5 weeks, Tekturna150. I decided not to take my bp for a few days, cause it makes me anxious. so i took it tonite and it was 150/78 pulse 75.
How long does it take for this medicine to work. Im sick of side effects and am hoping I dont have any.
Maddy and others who try BP medication for only a week or less; it will take more than a week for the pills to work to lower your BP. Mine is still high, but better than previously.
My new cardiologist said that he has found some people just naturally have higher BP than what is considered normal. He said in every other way I am healthy so he wants me to continue to watch my food intake (I have lost 20 lbs), and to keep exercising. It’s easy to do now, while the weather is still pleasant…. I walk 2 miles 2x each day, and I swam in an outdoor pool, but it is closed now.
Any kind of movement is good. Sometimes I dance to the music of Abba; anything is better than just sitting around. No more white bread, cookies, pies, cakes, greasy hamburgers, pizza etc. I enjoy fish and chicken, veggies and fruit now. If you keep eating this stuff, nothing will lower your BP. You know what you need to do; it’s better than taking pills.
There is more and more studies that show the effectivness of acupuncture. Unfortunately, most insurance doesn’t cover it.
Nancy,
Thank you for your answer. We have determined after 2yrs, my high bp is genetic. Im 5’2″ weigh 105pds, dont eat bread, dairy products, other than yogart, dont eat anything white, eat only chicken and fish. Its my systolic pressure that goes high. I also have an anxiety problem and when anything goes wrong with my body, I become obessesed on how to overcome it. Im 59yrs old, and am starting to return to walking again after having pneumonia which knocked me on my butt in June and July, and August.
I have slowly cut back my smoking, and down to one carton a month, and continuing to cut back.
I take atenolol and have for several years for pvc’s. I absolutely hate medication and I beleive it hates me, lol
I just want a medicine that will work, but without all the ugly side effects. Im a very hyper person till im put on Bp meds, then I have NO energy at all. Thanks again Nancy:)
I have tried that awful Tekturna and my doctor just prescribed Novasc aka Amlodipine. Anyone know anything about this drug? I am so tired of the side effects, namely the insomnia and also the drowsiness. If this new one gives me either, back to the drawing board. (I also take Clonidine and Lisinopril and Avalpro – the best of the bunch). thanks
Norvasc did work for me. However, I couldn’t live with the edema in my ankles and especially getting up 8-10 times a night to go to the bathroom. I was SOOOO exausted I finally told the Dr I had to have something else. I am now on Diovan 350 and am able to finally sleep at night. It is also so far working on the BP and the only side effect is a little bit of lightheadedness, which I can’t seem to get rid of no matter which med I am on. But I will NEVER take Tekturna again.
Oh no!! I don’t want any more edema ANYWHERE! I took that Caduet earlier this year and by the end of the day, my legs looked like elephant legs!! Went off of that med after about 2 months. I’ll try this Novasc stuff and see what happens. That Clonidine stuff makes me so sleepy I stopped taking it during the day; I now take it at night and sometimes it helps me sleep. I have a insomnia (from my diabetes and lately because of my 18 year relationship with my sig other ended so I wake up and THINK about things during the night! I don’t WANT to wake up anymore and THINK!). I’m going to start taking the Novasc stuff tonight. I’ll keepin mind that Diovan. I do have to be careful though because I only have one kidney (thanks to smoking for 30 years) so I have to watch what kind of BP meds I can take.
My response: See my earlier post, which is post #112.
I’m now taking Bystolic, which really isn’t a BP pill. It’s a pill that is used to slow down heart rate. An effect of slowing down the heart rate, it has lowered my BP… and NO side effects as of today. I’ve been taking it now for a week. I’m not tired, foggy, nor any other side effect.
So, I’ve gone from 160’s/120 to 129/89 (my latest bp reading).
Frank-actually Bystolic is for BP. In fact it is a very unique Beta Blocker in that it effects the hemodynamic equation by decreasing peripheral vascular resistence, increasing stroke volume and cardiac output as well as lowering heart rate. It is the only beta blocker on the market which does this. Because it increases stroke volume and cariac output, the patient does not get fatigued. It is also the only beta blocker which has the FDA indication for first line use for hypertension. Glad to see your pressure is down too!
Another point while looking through comment 112 by Frank. It sounds like when you took Benicar you experienced some breakout angina. This is not attributed to Benicar but probably some other mismanagement of meds. Benicar is in fact the strongest ARB on the market and is widely known for almost zero side effects. Norvasc is indeed an edema culprit. However if you are having severe hypertension, really anything 160 or higher systolic and 100 diastolic, you could take Azor which is a combe of Benicar and Norvasc. Benicar cause a reduction of edema by 40%.
Latest Concern: Anyone know anything about Nifedical XL? My cardiologist now wants to stop the Tekturna/Norvasc and start me on Nifedical XL. Checked out the side effects of this one and not too impressive. In addition to the edema there is also weight gain, depression and diarrhea. Yipes! I had enough of all of this stuff. Just lost 20 lbs and don’t want to pile it back on. In the past, I did have medications that increased my appetite. I know that Nifedical XL is a CCB as is Norvasc. When the MD added the Norvasc to the Tekturna, I did experience a slight increase in appetite which I worked out with more exercise. However, if this new stuff saps my energy, it won’t be easy.
I take Tekturna 300 mg, azor, and plavix at night because it was making me sleepy during the day. My problem is that i cough every night as soon as my head hits the pillow i start this dry hacking cough until sometime i throw up. I think it’s the tekturna because when i was on Benicar i had no problems. Please give feed back
In my twenties and thirties my BP was low — 90s/60s. Then I followed my mother’s pattern of post-menopausal high BP (I’m now 61)… even though my weight was a bit below average. My high BP was diagnosed in 2001, but I resisted starting meds … made a series of broken promises to myself about how I was going to improve my diet and exercise more. The wake-up call came in Jan 2004 with my first episode of atrial fibrillation. Since then my primary med has been Cardizem (Diltiazem) 240mg. After my third episode of a-fib, the cardiologist started me on Flecainide. I have not had another episode of a-fib in over 2 years.
Enough background. As the stress of long-term caregiving for a sick family member began to wear on me, my BP climbed. The cardiologist tried increasing the Cardizem from 240mg to 360mg. I felt as though my head would fall off my shoulders every time I bent over. Another med or two was tried with no BP reduction benefits and lots of negative side-effects. Then he started me on Tektura 2-1/2 months ago. It took two weeks to see results, but they were remarkable — I went from 160/85 (with spikes of 200/100) to 135/65.
However, I am now wondering if the price I’m paying in side-effects is too high. I have had brain fog since day one. Sometimes a low-grade headache. Lethargy. Difficulty motivating myself to do things I normally enjoy. Joint pains and muscle aches. Occasional insomnia during the second half of the night.
At first I felt full all the time. I thought, “Well, at least there’s one GOOD side-effect — appetite suppression! What an easy way to lose a few pounds.” So I began to take much smaller portions at meals. Much to my amazement, I stepped on the scale and saw that I had GAINED two pounds. I noticed that my watch left an impression on my arm. It got worse. Now I don’t just feel FULL, I feel BLOATED all the time. And I LOOK bloated. Suddenly, clothes that I could wear when I weighed 10 pounds more than I do now don’t fit! The blow to my vanity has been the worst side-effect of all.
The Tekturna literature mentions something about gastric discomfort. But it doesn’t mention weight gain or bloating specifically. I would like to hear from others who have experienced these problems.
Also, has anyone had success in reducing side-effects (of any type) by either reducing the dosage (I’m on 150mg), or by taking it on an every-other-day regimen? I don’t want to give up my newly reduced BP, but I don’t want to feel punk for the rest of my life, either.
Well I just started my third week on Tekturna. Im not sure about it. My left ankle and foot hurt, its not swollen, but it aches when I walk on it.
To be honest, I havent taken my BP in over a week or two. If I start taking it, it becomes obessesive to me. If its high, I freak out. Then I wait about 20 minutes and take it again, and then this goes on all day for me.
Im not sure its the Tekturna causing my ankle and foot to hurt, but Im watchin to see if there is any swelling. I do have a question, we are traveling to Albuquerque NM next week, and it kind of scares me. Its very high altitude and does that make your blood pressure go up?
To be honest, I would like something, anything to control my bp without worrying about all the damn side effects that come with them. Diuretics are toooooooo strong for me, my bp drops like a baloon , Benicar I loved, but it quit working for me:(
I dont remember ever having side effects with benicar.
I agree with the poster above, I feel bloated alot to, and had diarreha the first week, thats getting better.
Its like where my ankle bends it hurts. Do you think it could be the Tekturna? And if it does start swelling should I call my doctor?
I’m truly sorry so many of you are having problems with Tekturna. And I really don’t like to post to sites such as
this. However; I sure hope Tekturna is not pulled off the market based on these comments. I am either allergic to or have had a bad reaction to probably 20 different BP meds. I definately do understand your frustrations with Tekturna and/or other BP meds.
I have been on Tekturna about 5 months without any problems. I take Verapamil 2 times a day and 300 mg of Avapro along with
Tekturna. My cardio has said the 3 drug approach to treating
“malignant HBP” which is what I have, is catching on. When Tekturna was added, my BP finally stabilized to about 120-125/60-65.
I am very tired. That’ much better than feeling like the top of my head was coming off every time I moved or bent over though. Best wishes to all of you on the site. Be careful in thinking that every ache or pain you have is caused by Tekturna.
Hi,
I have to agree with Sue. I have been on 300mg Tekturna 1 1/2 years. I was put on it right after it came on the market. I had had many side effects from numerous combinations of BP medications- one putting me into emergency. MY BP wasn’t controlled until I was put on Tekturna. Tekturna worked quickly and I have had no side effects. I am also on the Clonidine patch. Recently my BP has begin to go low in the evenings so my Tekturna dose was cut in half which is a much better problem in my mind. I just went in for blood work/physical. All normal. After all I have gone through I am thankful for Tekturna.
Okay, I took my bp today, it was 189/89 and im on 150 Tektura, its higher now than before I started takeing it,, I called my doctor but he is out for the afternoon,,, HELP!!!!!!!
You know, I’ve been monitoring this board for a while now and it seems that 98% of the people taking Tekturna are having problems with it: it is either ineffective or there are so many side effects, that they cannot take it. I wonder if the FDA is aware of this? I find it alarming that the FDA has gone ahead and approved this drug and it seems that it is not doing it’s job. And if it is doing it’s job – there is a price to pay. When I first started taking it, my druggist told me that it was STILL in the trial phases and there were a lot of complaints about the drug (this was last May) and she was surprised the FDA still had it on the market. I took it for 5 days and that was enough! The headaches I had were terrible and I wasn’t going to the bathroom!! Not good when I have only one kidney!! So I stopped on my own. I am now taking 4 different meds and all seem to be working other than the fact that one makes me so sleepy and one gives me insomnia!!! (Last night on television, Lifetime had an “Army Wives” marathon!). Hopefully, after losing some weight, I’ll be able to at least get rid of one medication!
does tekturna and benicar have drug interactions?
Guess it depends on your pharmacist. I have a great one that I trust. I’m told this is a really good medicine and they’re very glad it’s available. So says my cardio also. So am I! I’m not the best at math, but I don’t see 98% of these postings as having bad results with Tekturna. I sure hope the FDA isn’t going to pull the drug based on these comments. AND as to who pays for my Tekturna……..my insurance co. They may stop paying any day. You know how managed care goes……..here today and gone tomorrow.
I am not convinced at the 98% having problems with Tekturna here on this board. But regardless I think it is important to stay in good communication with your Doctors and read this board with a grain of salt. No two people are alike. What works for one most likely won’t for another. For exampel-they put me on Verapamil right off because it was working for my mom- it never worked and within a month I was taken off due to a sinus ( SP?) block and very weird heart palpitations…freaked me out. However, she swears by it. All thge ARBs, Beta Blockers, on and on had serious effects on me….Yet Tekturna works for me, my insurance covers it and I just can’t imagine this board having any impact on the FDA. I’d be very disapppointed if ity made such a serious decisions based on the writings of a few.
Debbie, I so wanted this med to work! I figured it would take at least a couple of weeks, but after 3 weeks, my Bp is HIGHER.
Why would that happen? Im so sick of going to doctors! Tired of trying this and that, its either to much and my bp goes so low im non functional, or it goes to high….
I really dont know what to do, plus the fact, I have NO insurance, cant get it, and so Everytime I go to the doctor, its 100 dollars.
Maddy
Thank God my doc gave me 5 weeks of samples, I dont even know how much it would be to buy it?
RJS
You seem to be pretty knowledgeable, what do you think about my pressure going up? after taking tekturna?
I am so sorry and I can relate to a bit of what you are saying. I went thru the exact same thing but did have insurance thank goodness. I was told I had Malignant BP- we tried every class of medication and combinations with no reduction or it only worked for a bit. I was so scared, and stressed which made my problems worse! I was finally put on xanax, lexapro, 3 BP meds… I was a walking zombie with HIGH BP and these weird ‘episodes’ no one could explain but many saw. If you knew me you’d know how strange this was . I was scanned, probed, they looked at my urine, my spit etc… I saw so many doctors even a psychiatrist! I had every scan you can think of. I do have great doctors and they were worried too and stck by me- and believed me! But I finally refused to have any more of their tests. I had had it! Finally using xanax, I began to learn how to meditate, learned relaxation technigues, went to accupuncture ( Never thinking it would work) and finally clonidine worked.. and then a bit later Tekturna and then accupuncture and meditation … I guess I want to say what helped me was learning to meditate- you should see my IPOD playlist and my stack of books! The neat people I met. I was not a believer and do know now that the blend of medication and eastern medicine worked for me. MY GP recommend this combo by the way. I also take 2 herbs my accupunturist recommended. My point – it has been a HARD and scary 2 year journey. Have believe in yourself and find a doctor you trust and stick with that person. Don’t give up please.
Thank you debbie:)
I took lexapro for a while, loved it, but raised my bp. I do take xanax for anxiety, and atenolol. When I was younger I never read side effects of anything! If my doc gave it to me, I took it.
Never noticed any side effects. Now, thats all changed, I ask the doctor, the pharmacists, then I read the enclosed leaflet.
There are some scarey side effects out there.
Maddy,
It is amazing how in our youth we took so many things for granted! MY BP on lexapro didn’t change but I can’t say I loved it like you but it did help me thru a 3 month rough patch for which I am greatful. I had never taken an anti depressant or anti anxiety meds before, so I was a bit freaked out at 1st. I do recall being worried about Lexapro and xanax. I visited many websites, forums like this. There were so many scary experiences, stories. I got so anxious. I soon realized that forums and boards were scaring me more than the leaflets I got with the medications… I too ask the doctors many questions- I know that Benicar worked for awhile- but I had weird kidney problems so they took me off… It took time to find the right comb that is working now. I wish there was some test to determine what is causing us to have high BP so we could target the cause with the correct medication…
I went to the doctor this morning, He changed my meds to Tekturna Hct. So I guess we will see if that works,, (sigh)
Maddy—How is the Tekturna HCT working for you? I’ve been on Tekturna 150 for a few months and it is no longer working so my doctor just switched me to Tekturna HCT today. Who’s been on that and what are the side effects/differences from Tekturna/advantages/disadvantages?? I’m so totally down to have to try another new medication…I’ve been on so many different ones and it feels as if nothing is ever going to help me…..
Judy,
Nothing is working for me. I took the tekturna hct for 8 days, nothing except diarreha. Blood pressure went Low then High again.Doc changed me to Cozaar 50mg a day. Been on it 6 days and my bp today was 190/90.. Damnit!! I really need something!
Any suggestions, or questions to ask my doc?
Ive been changed again. To Cozaar 50mg a day. HELP!!!
Nothing is working! and I dont know what to do, what other questions to ask.
Everytime I push the post button it says duplicat comment, grrrr
Tekturna Hct didnt work!
Nothing works.
I heard from the doctor again, Im to double my cozaar to 100mg, to see if that works, So we will see….