Posted , 8 users are following.
Ive been taking Symbicort 40mg twice a day since October and I suffer with horrendous foot and leg cramps nearly every night that go on and off all night. Im taking Magnesium tablets which do help but was wondering if anyone else suffers and what they do to help it?
0 likes, 9 replies
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GrammyBea beverley85820
Posted
Hello Beverley
I have had no problem taking Symbicort but muscle cramps are indeed a known side effct.
May I suggest that you return or call your GP and have a quick discussion with him/her? There may be a better drug for you (there are several similar drugs available).
Please don't continue to suffer!
Wishing you better.
Regards
GrammyBea
green881 beverley85820
Posted
Funny you should mention that ...
I assume the cramps coinncide with you starting to take formoterol (which is the LABA component of Symbicort). Note formoterol is common in many combinations such as Fostair and also Foradil so please confirm the first time you took that component was October. Otherwise the cramps could be from something else.
I went on salmeterol (Advair) LABA for two weeks and I noticed some very minor cramps in foot and calf and a couple other places (nothing like yours). I rarely get that unless associated with very long endurance exercise so I was perplexed at first, but this does seem to be a 1% side effect of LABAs. I told my doctor about this last week and she looked at me askance (why do they do that? you can't make this kind of stuff up). I've taken all kinds of stuff over the years on and off and don't ever remember cramps coming up.
My recommendation to you is first and formost switch your LABA - try salmeterol if you have not. Maybe the cramps will be reduced. I don't know much about cramps but people usually talk about potassium - in fact the doc also said my potassium was normal. runners talk about eating bananas but I think you're better off taking a gel with a lot to see if it helps. And watch your hydration of course.
If you only get the cramps I had on salmeterol you will be quite happy. Although all LABAs are similar and work in similar ways (and probably have similar side effects) I've personally noticed that individuals respond radically differently to the same component. That's why you just keep cycling until it's all good.
Personally I find it strange that it makes it so far down your body, I always thought the effect was more local to your lungs.
Liz365 beverley85820
Posted
Magnesium deficiency currently being looked into by me. I too take Symbicort (strong dose, twice daily, at 400mg). Since my mid-30s, I have experienced extreme calf-muscle spasms, whereby I have to stop sitting, get down on the floor, & roll into whatever position seems to 'release' something feeling trapped. Muscle stays tight for up to 3-4 days thereafter.
For me, rather than ask doctor for extra/ changed medication, I'm experimenting by eating more Magnesium-rich foods. Wonder if this could help you, too, Beverley? The range includes:
- spinach, kale + chard
- pumpkin seeds
- whole grains
- yogurt (example plain, unsweetened Onken, Yeo Valley, Rachels)
- almonds
- black beans
- avocados
Liz365 beverley85820
Posted
Today I've learned (on another thread via Patient Info) Potassium-rich foods are another vital electrolyte. Is there any chance you eat little of the foods rich in Potassium - example: potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, tomato sauce (without added salt or sugar), orange juice, tuna (fresh, frozen or tinned, but not in brine), yoghurt?
green881 Liz365
Posted
I used to do marathons & triathlons and stuff and sometimes get cramps on longer efforts. Potassium is a popular theory but I could never find the right balance exactly. I feel it did reduce the chance but not eliminate it. I personally would not bother with the foods too complicated for too little intake, just take a supplement for a week to see if they go away. In any running/cycling store you will find loads of potassium and other electrolyte supplements. Just make sure it is being absorbed, you might try a couple different forms to see if any works.
I am also curious.
But if it is the asthma med and not electrolyte imbalance it will have no effect, and you have your answer. Switch asthma meds.
mac58 beverley85820
Posted
Well, you learn something new every day.
Don't talk to me about night cramps in the legs and toes - total agony. Could it be the symbicort?
I also have low magnesium due to high doses of lansoprazole.
nellebelle beverley85820
Posted
hi Beverly why not talk it over with your dr.
He might advice you what to do about it
Good luck.
he
priya456 beverley85820
Posted
1. THROAT IRRITATION
2. THRUSH IN THE MOUTH AND THROAT
3. LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS, mostly infections and/or inflammation of inner linings (mucous membranes) of bronchial tube airways (bronchitis)
4. INFLAMMATION OF THE INNER LININGS (mucous membranes) IN THE SINUSES (sinusitis)
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION
drummer80 beverley85820
Posted
Hello Beverley,
I was taking 4 puffs a day of Symbicort 160/4.5 and was getting bad leg cramps and losing my voice. If I drank as much water as possible, took a magnesium pill, and ate bananas, the cramps would go away. I recently switched to Advair and my voice got better but I still have the leg cramps if I don't do the above items.