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Ramipril Side Effects

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Theland | 02:04 Tue 07th Aug 2018 | Body & Soul
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I have taken Ramipril for quite a few years now, and sometimes get purple blotches on my arms. These are worse recently, and with COPD breathing difficulties, I read on the Ramipril leaflet that they can shortness of breath, which I was blaming on the hot weather.
I take many other medications for other chronic conditions, and was wondering if the Ramipril is to blame for the breathing problem, is it safe to stop it?
What else could the GP give me?
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//I ...was wondering if the Ramipril is to blame for the breathing problem//

I might think the COPD is the cause, Theland.
I suspect that, without knowing your full medical history, even the mighty Sqad won't be able to provide a definitive answer to your question.

However, assuming that the Ramipril has been prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure) then, as an ACE inhibitor, it's usually the first line of attack for patients under 55. If there are problems with side effects, then ARBs (see link) are avalable as an alternative. For patients over 55 calcium channel blockers would normally be the first option but, obviously, doctors need to consider what other medications a patient is taking before prescribing any drug to reduce hypertension.

See here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/treatment/

However I strongly suspect that Sqad would/will say that you should never stop taking any course of treatment unless
(a) a doctor tells you to do;
(b) another health professional, such as pharmacist tells you to do so ; or
(c) there are clear instructions on the packaging telling you to stop taking the drug if you notice specific side effects.

So what all that really boils down to is the most frequent advice given here in B&S: "See your GP".
Question Author
Thank you. Is Squad a doctor?
Yes he is, retired and rather obtuse too!
And Sqad doesn't care for U!

You better go to specsavers too ;-/
As 1ozzy indicates, Sqad is a former doctor, currently enjoying his retirement in Spain.

He's recognised as AB's medical expert (although there are quite a few areas where he doesn't fully concur with mainstream thinking within the NHS).

1ozzy calls him 'obtuse'. I'd prefer something like 'blunt and direct'. (If he thinks that you'll be dead by the end of the week don't expect him to beat about the bush in telling you so!)

Hopefully he'll see this thread and give you his opinion (or as much as he can, given that he doesn't know your full medical history and what other medications you're currently taking).
^^^ Note for pedants (and before I get a rocket from Sqad):
I shouldn't have used the word 'former' above, as Sqad still holds his doctorate in medicine and (I assume) is still registered with the GMC. So he's simply a 'doctor' (who happens to be retired), rather than a 'former doctor'.
Question Author
Send him to Society & Culture as well.
Obtuse.

"Set in your ways", "case hardened" "doesn't suffer fools lightly"

I most certainly wasn't suggesting the more common synonyms ;-/
Guessing your bike has "back pedal brakes" too Chris.
See your GP.
Continue with Ramipril......
If you have COPD, then your breathing difficulties will most probably have got worse during this prolonged spell of very hot weather, as you first thought. The purple blotches on your arms could be bruising, often a side effect of the prolonged use of various COPD medications.
The only side effect I know of from Ramipril, which has affected at least 4 people I know including my husband, is a very violent cough. Not to be confused with a chronic COPD cough, which I have.
yeah agree BC - see your GP and dont ask us
Have taken ramipril for a few years - and there is meant to an interaction with COPD - but it boils down to you. as to whether he prescribes it and whether you take it

Ask your GP

Yeah BC dont get into registration - if Sqad is in Thpain then to practise he needs to be registered wivviz local Collegio Medical - which is nothing like as much run-around as the GMC. The GMC on the other hand has various states - not on the register, ( no name) - recorded but not allowed to practise ( registered without a licence to practise ) - registered and licensed and revalidated and allowed to practise. and so on and so on - was on the register, Didnt pay his licence fee ( administratively erased ) Bad boy ( erased - not on the register but still recorded in the glorious annals of 'once was a doctor'. ) and it goes on.

and I havent even got up to specialist registration - there are categories with no training schemes ( paediatric anaesthesia ) for those who have trained outside the UK

The GMC really does have mass debates on whether the register as now is - is user friendly and can they make it even better ?

Anthony Crook who was in prisoner of war camp with my Dad is still there - the GMC refuse to believe he died 20 y ago - obit in the teleg.

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