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Side effects - switching from Valsartan to Candersartan

Posted , 10 users are following.

jill73
jill73

My doctor has just switched me from Valsartan to Candersartan as the pharmacy are unable to get any Valsartan. I started the new medication yesterday. Today, I have had a really bad headache all day and I can't remember the last time that I had a headache. I have also had a really bad pain in my neck & across my shoulders. Could this be due to the new medication & will it go away as my body adjusts to the new medication? I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has made this medication switch.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jane243
    jane243

    Posted

    I take Losartan myself having had a switch from Ramipril, due to cough. Not going to be much help to you I'm afraid, but I wouldn't have thought you would have had side effects from Valsartan if you didn't get them from Candersartan. Are headaches and pains in the neck [sorry, I should re-phrase that perhaps !!!] and shoulders a known side effect of Valsartan? Why couldn't the pharmacy get Candesartan anyway? Don't all the 'artans' do more or less the same thing?
  • jill73
    jill73

    Posted

    I've actually been switched from Valsartan to Candesartan. Apparently, there is a nationwide shortage of Valsartan due to manufacturing problems. I've also just taken my blood pressure 165/85 whereas it is normally around 135/75 in the afternoons. I've been put on the highest dose of Candesartan. Just wondering if maybe it doesn't work for me. It took my previous doctor a long time to get my blood pressure sorted out which was why I was very concerned that I had to change medication. My high blood pressure is due to a kidney condition which runs in the family.
  • norman33
    norman33

    Posted

    I have been on BP pills for years and have only recently discovered that the substance that causes the headaches, joint and muscle pains and gout is the stuff that binds the pills together - MAGNESIUM STEARATE. I have stopped taking any pills because of this substance. I have just learned that my chemist has found one, in capsule form without it so I will start it on Monday when he has a prescription issued.

    Just hope it works.

    Norman.

    • mike569
      mike569 norman33

      Posted

      I replied to your discussion input of 8 months ago and then found this later input.

      CAN YOU LET ME KNOW THE NAME OF THE PILLS THAT YOUR CHEMIST FOUND THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN MAGNESIUM STEARATE PLEASE?

    • linsi
      linsi norman33

      Posted

      Hi, just read your post with interest.   I was on valsartan for years with no problems.   However, because of unavailability I was switched to losartan 6 weeks' ago.     Since then I have been getting debilitating pains in all my muscles, skin sensitivity and flu-like symptoms.      As a keep sportswoman I have found this debillitating so interested that the cause is magnesium stearate (E572) which is in losartan so would be very interested to know if you have found a substitute that doesnt have ms.     Thanks    Linsi
    • robin20944
      robin20944 norman33

      Posted

      Norman please what is the BP pill without Magnesium Stearate, apart from Actavis brand candesarten, which is they are now no longer supplying.
  • andy4
    andy4 jill73

    Posted

    Due to curremt shortages of Valsartan, switched me to Losartan. since the switch two weeks ago i have been feeling dizzy.
    • linsi
      linsi andy4

      Posted

      Hi Andy

      Just been told that Valsartan is back in the "shops" in my area so switching back.   Not prepared to put up any longer with the terrible pains in my muscles from losartan - surely it cant be good for my blood pressure!  Linsi

    • andy4
      andy4 linsi

      Posted

      Thank you Linsi for the good news. I just checked with the pharmacist in my area (North London) and unfortunately Valsartan is still not available here. Andy
  • carol39149
    carol39149 jill73

    Posted

    I have just been switched from 160mg Valsartan a day to Losartan 50mg a day. I am geting headaches & am wondering if I should be taking two  a day. Can anyone relate to this
    • linsi
      linsi carol39149

      Posted

      Hi Carol

      Your doctor has underprescribed.    If you look on a medicines comparison website you will see that the equivalent of 160mg Valsartan is 100mg Losartan.     Linda

  • robin20944
    robin20944 jill73

    Posted

    I think you will find like alot of us, that the problem with the medication is that it contains magnesium stearate, which cause these side effects. I am now looking for a replacement to Candesarten, because now it appears only one company supply it and they use  alot of magnesium stearate in the tablets.
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