Side effects of Furosemide

Question:

I am 35 today. i know or at least I feel that I am to young to have high blood pressure. I am also over weight. besides losing weight, do you know of any other nutritional or natural pathic remedies that I can do to help to regulate my blood pressure in addition to taking furosemide.

 

T

 

Clyde’s Response:

 

Decreasing your sodium intake is an obvious start.  The internet has a lot to offer.  Go to WebMD and search “Hypertension: The DASH Diet”.  You can also google “Homeopathic Remedies for Hypertension”.

 

Your friend Clyde the Pharmacist

Side effects of Furosemide

Question:

 

Has there ever been any reports or interactions that you are familiar with that show the side affects of taking furosemide? Is one of those reactions (side affects) heightened anxiety or anxiety attacks?

 

T.

 

Response:

Here is a small clip from WebMD regarding the side effects of Furosemide:

 

“Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.”

 

To read more click on the link below:

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-8043-FUROSEMIDE+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=5512&drugname=Furosemide+Oral

 

 

Your friend Clyde the Pharmacist

Generic cost vs. Brand Name cost

Question:

 

If there is not that much difference in generic drugs and name brand drugs why is there such a difference in price?

 

Marilyn

 

Clyde’s response:

 

The brand name drugs have to go through costly research and clinical trials to show that the drug is safe and effective for its marketed purpose.  The next step is human trials which is even more costly.  Finally the drug is approved and marketed to the public.

 

The generic drugs just have to show that it’s absorbed in the same rate and delivers the same active ingredients as the brand name drug which is coming off patent.  The generic drug company does not have to go through all the costs associated with clinical and human trials.  This is one of the main reasons why there is a difference between the costs of generics versus brand name drugs.

 

Your friend Clyde the Pharmacist

 

 

 

How do I get my doctor to prescribe brand name drugs?

Question:

Does my doctor have to write anything special on the prescription in order for me to get name brand drugs or can I just request it from the pharmacist.

Thanks,

T.

Clyde’s Response:

Dear T,

 

     Your doctor has to write "DAW" or "dispense as written" along with the brand name of the drug for the insurance company to pay for the brand drug and not the generic.  Remember, the insurance company still has the right, depending on your plan, to determine the copay.  That copay, can be the normal copay but can also be a modified one which reflects a higher dollar amount because the insurance company is passing some the brand name cost to you.

     Most prescription insurance plans allow you to get the brand even if the doctor forgets to write "DAW" or "dispense as written" but the whole cost difference between generic cost and brand name cost will be passed onto you.

     If you have no prescription insurance, you can request and get the brand name drug even if the doctor writes the generic form on the prescription.  When there is no third party paying for your drug, you can request whatever you want and get it.

 

Your friend Clyde the Pharmacist

Furosimide and Celebrex Interaction

Question from Carol B.:

 

I have a stent in my LAD and take plavix, isosorbide mono, toprol XL, 325 mg aspirin, simvastatin for the heart regimen.

I also take, synthroid, omeprazole and Wellbutrin XL.  I also take furosimide for water retention but don’t do it regularly because

I have a torn meniscus in the left knee, a very painful hammertoe (2^nd toe pulling away from the foot joint) and need to take celebrex.

When I did drug interactions on Medscape it warned against taking furosimide and celebrex together.

 

I need the diuretic and also celebrex.  Is it possible to take the furosimide early in the morning and celebrex mid-day?

 

Thanks.

 

Clyde’s Response:

 

Hi Carol,
     The combination of lasix and celebrex is something I’m not presently familiar with, however, I will investigate the matter and get back to you.  Celebrex can cause some fluid retention at higher doses and this can work against the lasix(furosemide).  The aspirin and celebrex combination, which for heart patients has some concerns since celebrex should be used with caution in cardiovascular disease.  Check with your cardiologist to see if he knows and agrees with the celebrex just to be on the safe side.  Also, the aspirin and the celebrex can increase gastrointestinal ulceration since either one by itself can initiate such a problem.  It’s best that an enteric coated aspirin be used.  Aspirin and plavix are both platelet inhibitors, therefore, watch for excessive bruising.  Cuts and scratches may need a little more attention to create coagulation.  The aspirin and plavix are standard protocol so don’t worry about the two together, but ask your cardiologist about the 325mg strength.  Also, you’re on omeprazole which tells me you have a stomach issue.  Lastly, furosemide should be taken in the morning.  Celebrex midday is okay, but again check with your heart doctor.

 

Your friend Clyde the Pharmacist