ARE YOU TAKING MEDICINES TO HELP YOUR HEART? YOUR

Medicines to treat

Common adverse effects

What to do

Blood Pressure

The most common class of drugs is called “ACE Inhibitor”

enalapril,

fosinopril,

lisinipril,

ramipril

When taken with diabetes medicine can further reduce blood glucose levels (BGL)

Monitor BGL

When taken with non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs, can affect your kidney function and increase your blood pressure

Take these pain relievers only on the advice of your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly

When taken with non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS)* drugs and fluid tablets can reduce your kidney function

Take these pain relievers only on the advice of your doctor and monitor kidney function

When taken with non prescription medicines that contain salt, can increase blood pressure

Always read the label of non prescription medicine and avoid salt if possible

When taken with potassium supplements can cause increased potassium levels

Avoid these supplements, check with your doctor

Can cause a dry cough

Report any cough to doctor

Beta blockers

(atenolol, carvedilol

metoprolol, sotolol)

When taken with other medicines that reduce blood pressure, can cause dizziness

Take care when standing up and report dizziness to your doctor

Can cause asthma-like symptoms or cold hands and feet

Report any symptoms to your doctor

Arrhythmia,

the most common drug is amiodarone

Can affect thyroid function, vision and causes photosensitivity

Discuss any symptoms with your doctor and always wear sunscreen

Can increase levels of Lanoxin when taken together

Discuss any nausea or loss of appetite with your doctor

Cholesterol,

common drugs are

Lipex, Lipitor,

Pravastatin and Zocor

If liver function is reduced, there is more risk of adverse effects

Discuss any muscle pain with your doctor

When taken with antidepressant medication can increase risk of adverse effects

When taken with grapefruit can have increased blood levels and more risk of adverse effects

Atrial Fibrillation,

the most common drug is warfarin

There are many drugs, foods, such as green leafy vegetables and vitamins such as ginkgo, fish oil that interact with warfarin so it is important to continually monitor your INR

Regularly monitor your INR, notify your doctor if bruising or bleeding occurs

Stoke prevention, the most common drug is low dose aspirin

When taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or warfarin, there is an increased risk of bruising, bleeding

Notify your doctor if bruising or bleeding occurs