I have read some threads on this Board and my wife has been on Diovan for several years that has some adverse side effects -- like insomnia and joint pain.

I was wondering why Benicar and Avapro similar ARBs drugs are not prescribed more with less side effects.
I guess Norvaris being 10 times larger in capital and employees than Forrest Labs may have alot to do with it.

Any comments?

Harry

As it happens, Atacand and Avapro are the two remaining ARBs I have not tried yet. I am allergic to the other ones and cannot tolerate them (I tried Diovan and Micardis). I read that an apparent allergy should not prevent one from trying the same drug again in the future (quite often with better results). This apparently applies to any drug. I think I am adversely affected by this group of drugs because of a reduced kidney function.

Camjunkie, it takes a minimum of two weeks to see the effects of this drug, and a full four weeks before the maximum antihypertensive effects are achieved. You seem determined to stop taking this medication. Perhaps you should. It can adversely affect the kidney function in people with existing kidney and heart failure problems. There is no rebound if the drug is withdrawn. On the other hand, you might be willing to reconsider and wait another two weeks and see if the adverse effects of this drug improve once it's full antihypertensive effect has been reached. Because your doctor cautioned you about this group of drugs, you might have a condition(s) that makes this drug contraindicated and unsuitable for you.

Good luck,
flowergirl