Ramipril a cheap drug

I was prescribed Ramipril 2 weeks ago and my GP apologised for having to put me on the cheapest ACE inhibitor there was - apparently this is the guideline from the PCT and unless I am unable to tolerarte it. then I'm stuck with it!

This is the opposite of my experience. I've been on 5mg Ramipril for three months now and the only side effect I've had is that my hands and feet feel cold. My blood pressure is now within normal range so I'm really pleased with it.

Regarding cost, my GP said today that they were expensive compared to the old-fashioned treatments (beta blockers) and if you visit some of the Canadian pharmacy web sites you'll see this is true - a months supply costs at least £30

Of course it might not work for you but that's no reason to call for it to be banned!

The sentiments from thegrip are wrong because many are fine on Ramipril but understandable.

I was on Ramipril for 18 months then 6 months ago developed severe Sinus pains, blocked Ears, Headaches and pain in my Upper Teeth. I suggested that it may be a reaction to Ramipril but my GP said it was impossible as I had tolerated it for too long.

I was told to get my ears syringed and visit my Dentist.

Syringing of my ears was delayed due to both having fresh blood in them. Inevitably my Sinuses became infected, I developed constant Tinnitus with a period of hammering noises as loud as a pile driver outside day and night. My quality of life was very low.

I started sneezing and my eyes were red and running. I was prescribed anti biotic, and nasal spray for Hay Fever. I have completely lost my sense of smell. I developed the Ramipril dry persistent cough and a wheeze and a chest infection. There were instances of wildly varying BP. I was prescribed an inhaler, a course of anti histamine pills and two further courses of anti biotic followed.

I often spent my nights, sitting in the conservatory gasping for breath.

Finally after 6 months the infections were cleared but the Tinnitus, general weakness, cough and headaches remained.

Then I had a good day, all symptoms were much reduced. I discovered that I had missed my Ramipril on the previous day. I tried two days on one day off Ramipril. Every day after not taking Ramipril was a good day.

I discovered the experience from thegrip and confronted my GP. I was changed to Losartan, in 2 days the Tinnitus Headaches and Cough are so much improved that my quality of life is back on track.

I have also suffered from severe pains in my teeth from taking Ramipril. I visited my Dentist and had several Xrays taken, but nothing could be found. I stopped taking Ramipril and the pain disappeared. My GP insisted there is no connection so I tried taking Ramipril again. Since restarting, I have had one episode of tooth pain, which was so severe I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?

Hi gwj, you know sometimes the patient knows better. Please don't continue on Ramipril, like me you have proved it is not right for you. I am still suffering the effects after stopping it 2 years ago. Severe pain in the upper teeth still comes and goes, plus the tinnitus which is subsiding very slowly. During the 2 years I was on it, it did me severe damage.

nhsusr

These tooth pain things (and tinnitus) smack of heart problems you know, well maybe, it's possible

My husband has been on ramipril now for about two years with no side effect

Hi kathleen88

Yes I have so many friends who are fine on it, that is why it is so difficult to pin down the cause when you do develop a reaction and then to convince the GP.

Even more difficult if you have had problems with other BP medication, they think you just make a fuss.