New pills

[secsee1]

up until now I have been prescribed Candesartan cilexetil 16mg tablets once a day,
recently my GP wrote to me to say that due to NHS changes my tablets would now be changed to Losartan potassium 100mg also once a day which the doctor said was the same but I am now worried as 16mg to 100mg seems a huge increase, problem is the surgery is now closed until Monday so I can't check with them, so should I take the new pills?

[daffy654]

Your doctor told you it was ok to take the new tablets (and as he has access to your records and medical history) so i'm sure it will be completely safe. You could always speak to your local pharmacist if you are worried.

[secsee1]

Thanks daffy, off up to the pharmacy now, I am probably worrying for nothing but I want to be sure.

[daffy654]

I hope the pharmacist is able to reassure you :)

[Sqad]

No big deal.

Switching from losartan to candesartan in a systematic manner with a careful follow up was not only cost effective but achieved a significant fall in blood pressure providing effective prescribing and improved patient

This I think was the conclusion of a pilot study in Hertfordshire I think.....also Candersarten is cheaper than Losarten.

Both act in the same way and are both Angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists............so...........no big deal.

BUT...if my BP was stabilised with Candersarten I would need to have a bloody good reason for the doctor changing them......anf personally I don't think that the results of that pilot study would be good enough reason.

My advice.....if you have any Candesarten left then tkae them until Monday and then put your concerns to your doctor, but if you haven't, then bite the bullet and take your new Losarten tablets until Monday.