ARBs

ARBs are very commonly prescribed drugs for hypertension. They are considered by many health care professionals to be a first line treatment in the event a patients blood pressure is mildly elevated. The reason for this is often because patients do not have as many “noticeable” side effects when taking this drug. ARBs are almost always prescribed for hypertension, although in rare cases they have been prescribed for migraine prevention, kidney issues, and heart failure. Newer than most other hypertension drugs on the market, the first FDA approved ARB dates back to 1995. In recent years the most popular ARB has become Olmesartan. Olmesartan was approved by the FDA in 2002. There are now over 2 million prescriptions filled each year for Olmesartan.

ARB stands for angiotensin ll receptor blocker. These drugs have the same end result as ACE inhibitors, in that they reduce angiotensin ll production. In clinical trials performed in the 1970s it was shown that angiotensin ll narrowed blood vessels and arteries when produced in the body. This of course has a negative effect on blood pressure. ARBs work by blocking angiotensin 1 production in the body. Angiotensin 1 is used to produce angiotensin ll.

There is a large amount of data out there on the effectiveness of ARBs, this is mainly because a large number of patients take them. Many studies done show that ARBs and ACE inhibitors have very similar effects on blood pressure. Studies also show many patients do not exhibit an increased benefit from taking higher dosages. When it comes to actual blood pressure reduction numbers, results vary greatly as with almost all hypertensive medication. Patients taking a mild to moderate dosage can expect to see roughly around an 8 point drop in systolic pressure, and a 5 point drop in diastolic pressure. It is important to note that all ARBs seem to have the same effect on patients, different brands of the drug showed almost no differentiation in blood pressure reduction in clinical trails.

ARBs are currently being investigated by the FDA, and so far they have recalled over 24 different brands. Chemicals called nitrosamines were found in these drugs. Nitrosamines are known to cause cancer. At this point since there is still an investigation in progress, there could be even more brands of ARBs to be recalled in the future. Nitrosamines can be found in small amounts in processed food or low quality drinking water. However you can limit exposure by eating a fully organic diet, and drinking only high quality spring water.

The lack of noticeable side effects from patients taking ARBs makes them seem like a decent choice to many doctors. However there are many patients that do experience abnormalities when taking these drugs. The side effects may include dizziness, fatigue and tiredness, mood disorders, respiratory issues, headaches, high potassium levels, coughing, runny noise, nasal congestion, swelling of the legs, body aches and pains, severe pain on the side of the body, muscle pain, muscle spasms, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, ear congestion, an irregular heart beat, chest pains, insomnia, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, panic attacks, anxiety, general feeling of unwellness, and chills.

Ear congestion can be an issue for many people taking ARBs. Patients describe the feeling as if they have water stuck inside their ear they cannot get out. Medical professionals are not quite sure exactly why this happens. There is one theory that the rapid drop in blood pressure can cause this. However this is not likely, considering most individuals only experience mild blood pressure reductions with ARBs. It is important to note that ear congestion can continue even after the discontinuation of the drug. A few patients who had taken ARBs for more than two years experienced lingering ear congestion for over a month after discontinuation.

Pain in the side of the body, the foot, down the leg, on the side of the torso, and in the stomach. This is thought to happen because of the increase in blood vessel size in these areas. This is a very unpleasant side effect you can experience from taking these drugs. It is not super common, but patients have experienced this. This issue currently is not a “recognized” side effect in the medical community. Often patients will bring this up to their doctors and they will dismiss it. You always need to listen to your body and report any side effects you may be experiencing. If your doctor is not listening to you it is time to find a new one. Often patients who have this side effect see it go away shortly after stopping the drug. Always talk with your doctor before stopping your medication.

Some patients may experience flu-like symptoms when taking ARBs. This side effect is a mix of the body aches, the nasal congestion, and the fatigue combined. Patients suffering from this will often have a general feeling of unwellness. Far too often this side effect goes unnoticed by the medical community, and doctors run a series of tests on the patient. Not relating the side effects of the drug to the issues the patient is experiencing.

High potassium levels can be a very dangerous side effect from taking ARBs. This can happen because of the hindered function of the kidneys. If you are taking ARBs it is important to get your potassium levels checked regularly. It might also be a good idea to stay away from potassium rich foods like bananas when you are on the drug.

There have been reports of patients actually having a spike in blood pressure after taking an ARB. Everyone responds differently to drugs, and while the larger majority of people won’t experience this, there has been many reports of it. Symptoms of this bad reaction to the drug can consist of not only a spike in blood pressure, but also a rise in heart rate. Anyone who has never taken an ARB before should watch out for this if they are considering starting the drug.