January 7th
2009
11:05 AM
I’m a 52 year old female diagnosed with bi-lateral pulmonary embolisms three months ago. I’ve been on Warfarin for those three months. The reason I’m searching this blog is because I experience chills at about 4:00 am every morning. It’s interesting to hear of others having the same issue. However, I have not experienced other side effects mentioned: weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, depression... One thing that I’ve not read about here is the actual physical effects from the embolisms. I do experience shortness of breath and fatigue but I attribute it to the healing process that is occurring in my lungs. I have a wonderful doctor that told me that the road to recovery will not be easy and there will be some set-backs along the way. She listened to my concerns about shortness of breath and prescribed a couple of inhalers that I use to make my breathing more productive. She told me me to exercise “gently” to help my blood circulate to aid the healing that needs to take place. I admit that it’s hard to exercise when I’m not feeling my best but the benefits are worth it. I’m now feeling better than I’ve felt in three months. I also reduced my calorie intake knowing that with my limited activity my metabolism would slow down and weight gain would be a risk. So I ask the people writing in with side effects to look at their situation honestly and see what changes they could make to help their bodies heal. Those with PE and DVT, are you exercising? Are you overweight and need to alter your eating habits? Do you still smoke? We need to take responsibility for our health. I am a healthy, active, non-smoker. My PE’s are probably the result of starting Hormone Replacement Therapy four months prior to my PE’s. I have no other risk factors. Once I’m off Warfarin my doctor will run blood tests to see if I have other clotting factors, meanwhile I’m doing all that I can to help my body heal. I wish everyone here well and hope that your health improves.
-- By bullette | Reply | Private Message me
January 2th
2009
10:11 AM
I would like to know who is NOT experiencing side effects from Singulair.
We are not.
My 7 years old started Singulair three months ago because of allergy issues. She had asthma attack every other week, running nose all the time, she was so miserable, she missed many days of school and she couldn't exercise .Since she started to take SIngulair her allergy improved, no more asthma, no more running nose. SIngulair did not change her way to be. She is doing very good in school (she is above the average..) she does piano, ice skating, she is purple belt Tae Know Doe, speak two languages, she is doing great in everything. Of course she has her "bad moments" but which child does not?
I tried homeopathy, but it did not work, she got worst and worst. I was supposed to give SIngulair to my daughter a year ago, I did not because I was afraid of the side effects. But I wished I had started before because I could have avoid so much steroids since she had asthma most of the time. The doctor convinced me to use this medicine when she said " You think SIngulair has side effects, yes sometime it does, but do you know the danger of using steroids so frequently in a little body?" Then I thought I had to give a try. I am glad I did. Of course I keep watching my daughter behavior closely and reading all the possible side effects of this medication. I forgot to say that beside singulair my daughter is also taking Pulmicort, two puffs once a day.
December 30th
2008
4:48 PM
i am 21 years old. i started taking this pill (L24) when i was 19 in march of 07. then on sept 9, 07 i woke up at 3 am not being able to breath. come to find out i had blood clots in both my lungs. it was caused by birth control. just be careful everyone. i was only 20 years old. i almost lost my life just because of some stupid pill.
-- By ksturner21 | Reply | Private Message me
December 30th
2008
1:44 PM
Hey Ive been on the NuvaRing for about 2 1/2 years and I had been hearing bad side effects of the NR like Pulmonary Embolism (A PE is a blockage of the pulmonary artery (in the lungs) or one of its branches by a blood clot) Symptoms include:Chest pain (hurts especially to breathe), shortness of breath, anxiety, coughing (may cough up blood), sweating, and fainting or passing out. The risk of PE scared the crap out of me so I took the ring out immediately. But the problem is I took the ring out after just putting it in for two days. I had already had my period and everything and now Im spotting or I just started my period again! Did this happen to anyone when they took their ring out permanently? Im kind of scared that this isn't normal!
Ha I know what you all mean when you say that the NR was hell, the first week of trying it I had nausea, spotting, and it hurt VERY bad to have sex. I thought this all was normal so I didn't even think twice about it until now!! Lately though I have been having an increase in chest pains, stomach aches and headaches and IM ONLY 18! But since I took the NR out about 3 days ago my headaches haven't been bothering me as much and neither have my stomach aches. These are the only things that bugged me while on the NR, I only had minor mood swings and I didn't have a decreased sex drive. But still I DO NOT recommend the ring to anyone because recently Ive heard of women dying from the NR. NUVARING HAS SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS AND ITS NOT WORTH IT!!
-- By moon18 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
December 30th
2008
12:02 AM
Tony Sapore
Too Everyone on this devil drug get the hell off it..My wife is Dead because if it.. Its happened so quick.We are from arizona(mesa) It pretty much happend in one day.I was at work My mother in law took sandra too go see a (her doctor) she was really white out of breath weak and coudnt breath ..Rite away they told her to go straight to the emergency room.They thought she was bleeding inside.They took care of her rite away. They started to take alot of test cool everything came back awesome. Then they said we are going to run a Kat scan.Bam that was it.Came back to us said she had Pulmonary Embolism .They said they can treat it.Never said you can past from it.So they took her to her own room in the hospital ..Started treating her for the blood clots in her lungs ..Everything was looking good getting color back and thinking positive.You know were like cool 3 4 days in the hospital eat good food alittle vacation dont have to take care of our son Nick 12 years old .Her mother was with us up until 1120 pm she was tired and told sandra that she was tired no problem go get some sleep and I will take care of her.She was resting pretty good then around 1220 pm about a hour later BAM stood up Cant breath and she was at white as ghost.She was suffering I could tell I called a nurse.THat when it happend so quickly They gave her oxygen nothing couldnt breath its was like she was having A CARDIAC ARREST her body couldnt function she was really tiny(her Nickname was peanut) 130 pounds then one doctor came then another like it was ER the show.I couldnt do a dam thing .Then the took me out of the room I knew something was up that was the last time I saw her alive suffering.I was sitting in a chair about 4 rooms over.Lights going off over the door.There was about 10 people in her room.Lights going off red white red.THen I heard them say Go GET A SOCIAL WORKER.I knew in my heart she was gone.They tried to give her CPR for about 20 min nothing.Then they said they want to call any family .They called her mom and Dad.and said they are going to try 10 min of cpr nothing they came out of the room and told me she died.Wow 35 years old both of us .Then her parents showed up and I had too tell them their daughter died all in one day..So know we know it was from yaz..All the signs losing hair cant breath always nervous lots of head aches .Every thing was their signs .Just because of that stupid pill.. Thank you so much and sorry it was so long have a good holiday.. always TONY
December 29th
2008
11:34 AM
I have been taking advair for years on and off. I was upped my dose to 250/50 and for the last year have struggled with feeling terrible. I didn't really think it was the advair for a long time. Thought it was something else and the doctors didn't find anything wrong, they were looking at hepatitis, thyroid, adrenal etc. But I feel sickly all the time, like I have the flu... those body aches all in my back and chest and I feel tired all of the time. My lungs sometimes hurt. I get dizzy spells as well and am struggling through my day. Has anyone experienced this on Advair? I have just decided to go off and use my inhaler... which I am trying not to use unless I am really wheezing. Trying to get all the steroid out of my body to see if that makes a difference. How long will it take before the advair is totally out of my system? I am so tired of feeling so tired and sick. Please if anyone has experienced I'd like to know I am not alone.
-- By pixie2201 | Reply | Private Message me
December 28th
2008
11:07 PM
I HAD MIRENA IUD PLACED IN FEBRUARY 2008. MARCH 28, 2008 I WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH BLOOD CLOTS IN BOTH LUNGS. I HAVE NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE.I HAD TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 21 DAYS DUE TO THIS KILLER MIRENA. I HAD SEVERE BREAST PAINS, AWFUL CRAMPS AFTER IT WAS INSERTED, DEPRESSION , HEADACHES, STOMACH PAINS WEIGHT GAIN, NAUSEA,TROUBLE BREATHING,AND ONLY LORD KNOWS WHAT ELSE. I FOR SURE WOULD LIKE TO BE IN ON A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!!!!!!!! I HAVE ALL OF MYMEDICAL RECORDS!!!
-- By cmartin1346 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
December 25th
2008
1:47 PM
Today is Christmas day 2008. And a Merry Christmas to me ha!!!!!!!! I was given a prescription for the drug Levaquin on the 19th of December for a suspicion of pneumonia. The x rays done at the hospital found no evidence of pneumonia but my doctor wanted me to take it anyway because since I have asthma and my lungs sounded so bad I was told that I was at risk for developing any secondary infection that was out there. My husband filled the prescription on the 20th which was Saturday, took the first one of a seven day supply 500 mg tablets. About 4 hours after taking just one pill was awakened by severe and agonizing pain in both of my feet and my knees that I was writhing in pain. Since I have nerve damage in my feet anyhow I know what the pain that I normally experience feels like and instantly knew that this was not normal for me. When I thought that I finally might be able to walk I hobbled into the kitchen and dug the list of side affects out of the garbage (stupid me had not read them first.) I discovered that it was one of the side affects. Called the on call doctor in the morning since it was on the weekend and he stopped it immediately and put me on something else. I only took that one pill and since Saturday night every night I wake up in agonizing knee pain and I have never had pains in my knees before. The pain is so bad that I feel like I am ready to go on a morphine drip, or cut my legs off above the knees. Six days now from one pill, how much longer can this go on? I really feel bad for the people that contined to trust their doctors and continued with the full course of the medication and I realize that what I am experiencing is minor compared to what others are going through. This drug should come with a handout that says: Take this drug at a risk to your health!!!!!! Last night the pain lasted all night and I cried all night. Have to get through this day am entertaining for the holiday and have had no sleep. Actually getting afraid to go to sleep at this point.............D.
-- By debbie___2929 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
December 21th
2008
1:51 PM
I actually had a good experience with 3 small doses of Prednisone to treat my congested sinuses, leftover from a flu virus. My body usually reacts to a head cold flu in 3 stages: get hit with the virus for a few days, then after the virus is gone, have a bad histamine response with sinus headache, sneezing and severe congestion (antihistamines don't help), and then the snot from my sinuses fills my lungs by the following week, giving me bad bronchitis. With my history of pulmonary problems (mostly due to an over-reactive immune response), I wanted to nip it at the bud, stopping the snot. I took 30 mg (light dose, as I weigh 110 lbs) the first night, slept rather well because I could breathe, but woke up 2 hours earlier than usual, my only side effect. The next morning, 15 mg, and then 7.5 mg the next night. Problem was solved! I feel better, just only a mild side effect (waking up early) for a few light doses.
-- By katespecter | Reply | Private Message me
December 13th
2008
9:24 PM
My 4 year old son started taking singulair when he was two. I don't think I picked up on his behavior change right away b/c I thought that he was just entering the "terrible two's". But over time, his allergist added on Nasonex (I know the docs say that it doesn't cause side-effects b/c it's a nasal spray, but I don't buy that...it's a steroid, plain and simple) and more recently zyrtec was added on for his hives. Well, the zyrtec was the straw that broke the camel's back. I mean, he has been a real "handful" since the singulair, but after zyrtec was added 5 months ago - let's just say he was completely out of my control. His meltdowns were so bad that I couldn't go ANYWHERE with him. I either got a sitter or just didn't go anywhere. He became aggressive, defiant, emotional, unhappy. And to top it off he started to have serious "autistic-like" self-stimulatory behaviors (grinding teeth, squinting eyes shut, flapping his hands, punching himself...). At this point my life had become a complete nightmare, and my poor 10 month old son was getting NO attention b/c my 4 year old was so out of control and aggressive. I was afraid for the baby's safety...oh, I could go on all night. This medication has impacted my marriage, my finances, my sanity. Shortly after he started Singulair I had to go on an antidepressant b/c it too so much out of me just to be his mommy. Anyway, a week ago I had him scheduled for a psych evaluation (thought for sure we were going to walk away with either autism or bipolar diagnosis), but two days before I decided to look up the meds he is on and BINGO! All of these posts sound like what we have been going through. I stopped all of his meds that night, cold-turkey, and he has been the most pleasant little boy I have ever met!! My husband and I have fallen in love with him over the past week - we had no idea he was such a sweet child.
Now, while I'm ecstatic that we have found the answer to our nightmare, I also feel SO STINKIN' ANGRY! We lost out on 2 years with our sweet boy, there were times when we raised our voices at him when he just couldn't help himself - he was suffering inside!! When I went to talk to the allergist about my findings this past week, he said, "well, maybe he just had a good day. I'd like to see what happens if he goes off all his meds for a week". Well, there you have it, he has been off for one week and he's an absolute angel. He has an amazing heart and is so caring!!!
Singulair is awful (and so is zyrtec). Please don't give this drug to your children. Research other alternatives (I am giving my son Nordic Naturals Fish Oil, Culturelle probiotics, vitamin c, and am changing his diet - increased magnesium and decreased dairy. I came up with this after hours of research...).
There is a woman on this site whose daughter committed suicide after 3 years on Singulair. This is no joke and the FDA needs to get with it.
BTW, I used to date a Singulair rep (I knew there was something I didn't like about that guy:)
-- By nomeds2 | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
December 10th
2008
11:42 AM
I have been on Yasmin since April of this year, 2008. My doctor put me on Yasmin because of a hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS. At first, all I noticed was my periods had become regular and my skin had cleared up. About 4-6 weeks later, I started experiencing EXTREME pain in my right breast. After the onset of the pain, just my right breast became enlarged. A few weeks later I started having chest/heart pains at random times. It started occurring when I would run and that made me really scared. I had the feeling of having a heavy rock on my chest and wasn't able to get a real breath. After an EKG my doctor confirmed that my heart was healthy. Here is a list of some of the other side effects that I noticed: no sex drive, weight gain, TIREDNESS, forgetfulness, cramps in my legs, but only while sleeping, extreme thirst.
I am so grateful that I found this website. It's just awful to hear some many other women complaining of the same symptoms.
-- By trace02 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
December 9th
2008
5:29 PM
Started at 10 mg/day, then doubled to 20 and finally 40mg lisinopril with 25mg HCTZ..
After being upped to 40mg I started getting a itchy lump in my throat that lead to an amazing amount of cloudy white mucus. This would usually occur later in the day and especially when I tried to lay down to sleep. Lungs feel fine, no wheezing, rumble or pain. Nostrils sometimes clog a little but not enough to explain where all the mucus was coming from. Throat doesn't really hurt except when I used a lot of generic sore throat spray.
Doctor mentioned the possibility of acid reflux or a seasonal allergy and give me generic Claritin which didn't help a bit. I'm 56 and can't say I've ever had a seasonal allergy in my life but he said they can develop at anytime so I was hoping he was right. When the weather turned cold and the symptoms remained I even thought I was allergic to something in my home, new drywall, fiberglass, mold something.
After considering the possibility of a reaction to lisinopril or terbinafine I started googling to find posts that described my reaction to a tee.
Besides the cough/mucous I've had a pounding heart, anxiety, fear of dying not knowing what was wrong etc.
Lisinopril seemed to bring my pressure down at the one month point so my Doctor doubled it to bring it down another 15 points. Three weeks later instead of going down it went back up so he doubled again and added the water pill. Today when I went to the Doctor it was still up and I told him about my web research. He agree it was not working for me anyway and I suppose he believed my suspicions about the side effects, at least for me.
He asked me "You're self pay aren't you?" as if just because I had to pay for the stuff myself I'd rather take the $4.00/month crap rather than pay for what I need. If you're self pay you even get 20% off if you pay within 30 days. I bet if I'd walked in there with insurance I'd have erg's, mri's, all that overpriced stuff.
Anyway he put me on Bystolic (30 days free samples :)) which I think I could detect a bit more confidence in his voice that it would actually work. I mean I'd much rather pay $4/month for generics if it worked and didn't make me feel like crap but I'll gladly pay the over inflated $50/month price for something that actually works without making me feel so much worse.
-- By chugger | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
December 8th
2008
11:41 PM
I too have eosinophilia pneumonia and have been on Prednisone for over two years. Doctor told me he had not seen a case of EP since the 1980s but as of last week he has now had five cases of the disease with no explanation as to why. After determining my condition was not parasitic he started me out on 60mg and then I tried to wean myself by dropping 5 mg every two weeks but to no avail. This continued for at least 18 to 24 months until I decided I would try to drop by 2-1/2 mg every four weeks and am now down to, as of today, 5 mg. Walked four miles this afternoon and did experience some wheezing but didn't feel like my lungs were going to explode so I consider this success. Have this wired moon face that makes me look like someone I don't even know but have been pretty lucky to maintain a constant weight with a starvation diet. Am hoping I am able to continue at the 5mg and lose some of these terrible side effects but don't know how long it may take. Last time I was at the doctor's office and in a desperate state, he prescribed (he continues to research all options and some alternative methods to provide relief) Stromectol tablets which is used to treat parasites but is the active ingredient in the treatment of heartworms in animals. Once I determined the side effects did not outweight the potential benefits I took the one dose treatment and maybe, just maybe, it is helping. Only time will tell. Can anyone tell me if the length of time on the treatment is a determining factor for how long the moon face and other symptoms will last.
Hang in there and hopefully we can help each other through.
-- By pridgenm | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
December 8th
2008
1:51 PM
I just wanted to comment to all of you asthma sufferers. I grew up with bronchitis and my brother with asthma. We were always getting sick while young, about every 6 weeks. My nephew inherited asthma from my brother, and he had it very bad, was always getting sick, needing oxygen, etc. While in his teens, someone told him to start playing an instrument like the trumpet or trombone which really exercises your lungs. He started taking lessons in school and it didn't take very long at all to notice a remarkable difference. His other siblings would even get sick and he wouldn't! The exercise, being natural, is a far better and healthy prevention, and makes your lungs stronger. I can't believe doctors don't spread this amazingly helpful advice around. I'm VERY sure they must have heard this before. Wouldn't news like that spread like wildfire through the medical community? But they would probably lose some business!!! So I wanted to help pass it around. I hope it helps some of you!
-- By a123s | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
December 4th
2008
10:53 AM
I have been on prednisone continuously now for 15 years. I was put on it in March of 1995 for a lung condition called chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. I was 122 pounds when I first started prednisone. Now 15 years later I am 197 pounds. I am 35 years old with osteoporosis. I have dealt with depression, terrible headaches, stomach ulcers, hormonal imbalance, hair loss, swollen feet and ankles, I now wear glasses when I didn't before, I have thin skin now that looks older than my 35 years, I deal with night sweats, and in the summer out in the heat my very round moon face turns red as a beet. But, no one can get me off the prednisone. I have seen many specialists, and within 1-2 days of starting to wean past 10mg I get so sick I have to be hospitalized, I literally can't breathe or live without it. I hate this stuff and what its done to me, but I have no choice but to take it or I will die. Doctors have tried alternate medications, nothing but prednisone works. If there is ANYONE who has had to be on it as long as I have or have had success in getting off it after being on it for so long, I would love to hear from you.
-- By belladonna15533 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
December 2th
2008
7:51 AM
I am 52 and took levaquin (the doctor described as a very high dose needed for what he felt was a generalized infection he couldn't pinpoint). Within 2 days I began feeling very weak. I also had moved to a new town and couldn't return to the prescribing doctor. I felt so very weak and felt actual pain in my heart I became very scared and went to a friends because I was afraid to be alone. I called the local pharmacist and was instructed to stop taking the levaquin. The following day I went to a new doctor in my new town and my nightmare began.
The new doctor stated "you have a very large heart murmur". I told him no doctor ever told me this before and he insisted they must have, I just don't remember. He decided to do an echo and diagnosed aortic stenosis. He stated it didn't require surgery, yet but would in a few years.
Fast forward to now, 2 moves for my work and changing doctors. Also, to be frank I think a firm denial on my part that I could not have heart trouble diagnosed under the age of 50.
I have received a variety of "borderline" diagnosis'. From COPD, Hepatitis and an inability for my heart to pump proper blood flow to my lungs. While I have had "many" diagnosis there isn't anything concrete and no caused determined or resulting changes to be made to improve my general health.
The one symptom I have, that seems to have worsen as time passes is that what I do seems to build up over time. Energy used and strength used (to carry something while walking) seems to build up to the point of exhaustion and inability to even get out of bed. I have been hospitalized for chest pain 4 times in the last year. The last one being after a business trip, where I took a train and needed to roll and/or carry a very large suitcase. the first night I began to feel weak. The second night my face swelled to a cartoonish state overnight and I began to feel very congested, coughing continually. I didn't go to the hospital because I didn't want to be in the hospital away from home. I Stayed at the conference and returned at the end of the week. A friend took me to the hospital and I was in Congestive Heart Failure. Once released from the hospital, I began to arrange to move back to my home state, to be closer to my family. Now I am here and if I do much of anything (even heavy housework) within days I am too weak to do anything. I am barely managing because I am not working, but I must return to work because I am fast becoming broke. But, how can I take a new job if I know that I can't work long-term. I haven't found a new doctor yet, because most here are not taking new patients and I am just not sure the type of doctor to go to. I am also afraid that they are just stabbing in the dark. Diagnosing borderline "everything" and the treatments for not knowing what is going on could make things worse.
If you have read this far..thank you. If you could reply with suggestions, please do. I feel like my health has been ruined and I don't know what to do to get it back. I only took levaquin for 3 days and all this time later, I still feel pain in my heart. Which is the strangest thing because "before" levaquin I "never" actually felt my heart at all.
Any suggestions , I would be the most grateful.
November 29th
2008
11:25 AM
Started with 25 mgsof Lisinopril in January 2008,started noticing lack of energy and extreme fatigue,By own accord I lost 40 lbs and then the side effects really multiplied.Went to the Dr and they cut my dosage in half.Shortness of breath was the worst,never did develop the cough,but a constant choking feeling was prevalent.Was sent to cardiologist for shortness of breath,all was o.k,sent to pulmanologist,lungs checked o.k,sent for ct scan,chest x ray,still no diagnosis.Blood work said I had heart muscle damage and needed to go to er soon as possible,after three days in the hospital still no answers,A doctor in the hospital took me off of the Lisinopril and i have final started seeing some improvement.Still have problems sleeping at night.
-- By lenp | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 19th
2008
10:16 PM
Oh my gosh. I am on this website because I googled "behavior issues with Singulair" Both of my children are on Singulair. One from as young as 5 months old. Both Pulmonologist, allergist and Internal med Ped. insisted that it was a safe drug. They aren't living with it. My 7 year old has taken it consistently for 5 years and recently upped is having behavior, aggression, insomnia and constant reports back from the teacher on his behavior. We had him psychologically evaluated and they found nothing uncommon to his age. All his issues are described in almost everyone of these side effect threads. I am just afraid to take him off and feel the blame if something serious happens. I am calling tomorrow for possible alternatives.
-- By singulairfingulair | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
November 18th
2008
2:01 PM
I've had all these same symptoms at one point during the two years I've been taking Advair. I've had exercise induced asthma since I was 18 but I can still work out at age 38 regularly with the help of Albuterol/Proventil. I stopped taking Advair after I completed my last disk in Sept, 08. It all makes sense now after the fact from reading here. Firstly, I cant tell you how severe the muscle cramps were. No words can describe upper body cramping in every muscle that I endured for weeks (it felt like knives all over)!!! The same happened with my legs...the muscles became so tight they contorted! My Dr. gave me an m.r.i. took x-rays and several blood tests...even gave me an h.i.v. test because he had no idea what would cause all these symptoms. He said it was "complicated". The test results found nothing. All lof my symptoms are gone now that I've stopped taking it (mouth sores, bleeding gums, strange skin lumps, hair loss, dry eyes, swollen tongue feeling, lump in throat feeling, severe cramping all over my body for 3 weeks). The Dr. noted that I had gained 10lbs since my last visit. I told him, "I've barely been able to MOVE with this cramping much less exercise with my regular weekly routine!" "It even hurts to breath deeply!" I still have a dry cough that hasn't gone away and normally I clear up after the seasonal rag weed season is over. We have had two hard frosts already...that usually clears my allergies.
-- By regular_exerciser | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 16th
2008
10:33 PM
I've been on Levaquin for three days to clear up severe congestion, possible bronchitis. The doctor at the walk-in clinic didn't like what he heard in my lungs, so prescribed this drug (It was a Friday and I needed something before the weekend due to my asthma). My fever has continued to spike, I have cried at the drop of the hat--exhaustion, fatigue, mood swings, and a cough that persists even after three days. Pain in shoulder joint, raw throat (certain foods seem to burn it), and a REALLY bad headache, and stiffness in my neck. I go to my general doctor tomorrow (Monday), and he will hear about this medicine, trust me. It has been a weekend from hell!
November 14th
2008
6:21 AM
Well it is 5:02 am and thanks to Advair I am still wide awake.
So here goes my experience of taking only two (2) doses of advair.
In my part of the world there is this cold virus that everyone wants to pass on. Seems this monster will stay with you for 3-6 weeks and no meds seem to help. I now am going into my third week dealing with this leach. So today I went to see my doc. He took a listen to my lungs and said wow you really are sick.....dah I was thinking. So he gave me advair and suggested I take a dose right then. I did thinking boy I hope this helps. He then told me to take my second dose in the evening. After I returned home I go the shakes. I just chalked it up to not eating breakfast and went on about my day. I did eat, but I still wasn't feeling right and of course thinking it was the cold virus taking it tole on me. I was nearing 6:00 and I knew I had to be out the door by 6 to go coach my girls basketball team. So before I headed out the door I took my second dose of advair. When I arrived at the gym I was really shaking and my vision was a bit off. I had my son get me a candy bar thinking I just might need some sugar. Now I haven't had a candy bar in years, it is just not my thing, but I was desperate at this time. I told my son as he helps me coach that I wasn't feeling right and if you see me start to go down, you better catch me before I hit the floor..Finally I made it through the ballgame and got home. It wasn't long until I started getting these super sharp chest pains, a pounding headache, and then my arms started feeling numb....I am thinking oh no....I told my hubbie you better call 911, but before he made the call we started discussing the meds the doc gave me today. I had no information on advair, because it was a sample and the doc threw the information in the trash. I never though one thing about it he has been my doc for years. I go to my computer and look for information and side effects for this drug and bingo it described all my symptoms right on the nose. In my reading also I found the FDA voted down the recall on this drug 12-0.
Anyway I voted to stay home, stay awake, sit by the phone, and let the family sleep. After reading the side effects I knew what was going on and in reading also the doctors do not have a magic pill to help, but they can give you a handful of pills to help each of your symptoms and oh boy just what I need more drugs with more side effects.
As I await for all the alarms to go off I still have a slight headache, still a little shaking, the muscles in my arms and legs are still a bit numb, and I still have some chest pain. I will go see another doctor today just for piece of mind or the kids will drag me there anyway.
Now, you have my story of what advair did to me in just one day. I wonder how many others it has effected and how many had to spend hundreds of dollars to find the answer...
I must go now and thanks for reading my story and also I hope everyone is doing well after your experience with advair.....
-- By sacisi | Reply | Private Message me
November 13th
2008
11:58 AM
October 22, 1998 I had resp. failure (with intubation). My new pulmonary doctor put me on Singulair 10 mg once a day, a few weeks after. Within time, I started to have numbing and tingling in my face, arms, and legs. March of 1999 the symptoms worsened and started causing pressure in my face, arms, and legs, and anxiety started to kick in. I was told I had neuropathy and to take mobic. Symptoms getting worse, and went to a rheumatologist in June 1999, and he was suspect of singulair. The doctor thought that what I was experiencing was due to the singulair. He (the rheumatologist) discussed this with the pulmonary doctor and the pulmonary doctor did not believe this to be the case. Not forgetting, in March of 1999, I had a ct of the sinus area, and low and behold 1/3 of the cavity was and probably still is full of polyps.
As time went on, symptoms getting worse, and not one bloody doctor could figure out why I was feeling this way. In addition, at times, I was put on steroids for my asthma (not including my inhalers).
Two years ago, my body went into shock, leaving my left side very different than my right side. Affecting: my head, my face, my eye, my ear, my esophogus, my lungs, my arm, my leg.
I have been depressed and anxious not knowing what the heck was going on with me.
Recently ruled out thyroid, and lupus, and possibly ms.
Last weekend, I reviewed the letter from the rheumatologist (dated 1999) and the ct report from March 1999 (regarding the sinus/ polyps) and made copies to present to a pulmonary doctor that I have recently been seeing.
This past Monday the 10th, I had my appt with him. He knew of my situation from the last few visits (in addition, I had met him this past March for a pulmonary rehab program, and thought he seemed to be knowledgeable and compassionate). While waiting for him to enter the exam room, he had read those reports before entering.
The doctor looked at my hands (red as a beet and swollen) and said "You have Churg-Strauss Syndrome, and get off the singulair."
I had done my homework from a few weeks ago, where I looked up untreated polyps.
Untreated polyps, can turn into vasculitis. There are many types of vasculitis, to include Churg-Strauss Syndrome.
I then cross ref CSS and singulair, and low and behold, BINGO!
I have been suffering for ten years, physically and emotionally because of this drug!
There is also recent updates from the fda (fda.gov) regarding singulair, of which most recently includes anxiety and depression.
I suggest before taking singulair, be aware of the side effects. As soon as a side effect comes up, contact your doctor. Also, be aware of existing conditions (like me, sinus problems and asthma) for this could lead to churg-strauss syndrome.
This info is indicated on the actual disclosure (the paper insert that indicates studies, side effects, etc...) not the handout that is given with the drug.
By the way, I am now working with a new rheumatologist in Los Angeles (Cedar-Sinai affiliated) and a new neurologist.
mdklezmer
-- By 1mdklezmer | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 5th
2008
8:55 AM
Hi
Again just like many of you ladies out there i am so glad i came across this website. I have been taking Yasmin for the last 2.5yrs. I used to have very think long hair, and was always complimented on it. recently my hair has thinned out, and falls out everytime i comb or wash it. I have reecntly started to experience numbness in the tips of my toes, i have just in the past few days experienced knee joint pains. Last year i had very bad chest pains, and i never thought it would be the pill, but i have been complianing to my family about breathing difficulties too. I do feel nauseous most of the time, and i feel tired all the time, i fall asleep anywhere. I am a pretty healthy individual. I have suffered headaches, reduction of vision, pain just under my ribs near the lungs, especially when i wake up in the mornings, i suffer hot flushes, again like others mostly at night... I used to be a pretty calm person, but now looking back i have had my moments of rage !
Thank God i came across this website because luckily im on my 7day break at the moment, and will probably not take them again ! and try lady comp just like another lady has .... hope this helps
November 4th
2008
2:16 AM
Im sad to find out all the problems people are having from levaquin. But now Im able to put 2 and 2 together because Im realizing whats been compromising my health. This is my second year with bronchitis and my second prescription of levaquin. I now believe its what has caused me horrible nightmares, suicidal thoughts, irritation, mental anguish, stress tendon/muscle pain in my arms and shoulders. I bent over to pick up my dog to help him into the car and I got a terrible pain in my chest. I thought I was dying. And I still have a rattle in my lungs after 2 weeks of levaquin so it has not helped at all. If anything it has caused me more problems that has opened the door for additional medications of unknown origin. I wish I could find a real witch doctor.
-- By vikingman | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
Advair HFA (54) Singulair (53) Lisinopril (42) PredniSONE (36) Yasmin (35) Levaquin (28) Warfarin Sodium (19) Advair Diskus (8) NuvaRing (8) Albuterol (6) Doxycycline Hyclate (6) Femcon FE (5) Kenalog (5) Guaifenex (4) Toprol-XL (4) Omnicef (3) Lipitor (3) Sulfamethoxazole (3) Mirena (3) Navelbine (2) Topamax (2) Dyazide (2) Mucinex (2) Methylpred DP (2) Albuterol Sulfate HFA (2) Biaxin (2) Loestrin 24 Fe (2) Januvia (1) Zithromax Z-Pak (1) Lamictal (1) Zoloft (1) Nasonex (1) Adderall (1) Cephalexin Monohydrate (1) Amibid LA (1) Xalatan (1) Phentermine (1) Vasodilan (1) Decadron (1) Levoxyl (1) Hydrochlorothiazide-Lisinopril (1) Imitrex (1) Liquibid (1) Omeprazole (1) Simvastatin (1) Seroquel (1) Lotrel (1) Guaifen-C (1) Coreg CR (1) Histussin D (1) Tiger Balm (1) Herceptin (1) Keppra (1) Colazal (1) Aciphex (1) Zocor (1) Avelox (1) Daflon (1) Prevacid (1) Synthroid (1) Flovent (1)
January 7th
2009
3:15 PM
My experience with Zocor was related to increased difficulty breathing; SOB was present with all exertion no matter how light. After awhile, I just stopped doing much of anything. The smallest exertion, such as getting ready for bed {brushing teeth, hair, washing face and putting on a night gown} invoked labored breathing and a pounding heart. After a week off the drug, the symptoms all by disappeared; now, 4 months later, I am up and around, walking longer walks and not short of breath. My problems may have been related to muscle weakness, but the heart is a muscle and the lungs function in conjunction with the heart.
-- By ynotaskalice | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me