Hi. I'm On Simvistatin, Ramipril And Clopidogrel 5 Years After

Posted on Sat, 8 Dec 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Dec 2018 Answered on

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Question : Hi. I'm on Simvistatin, Ramipril and Clopidogrel 5 years after a mild stroke with Quick and almost complete recovery. I am 71 years old, active and a few pounds overweight. As an ex Royal Navy Submariner my life for the last 55 years or so has included alcohol to quite a degree. I have cut back since being on these drugs, but on 2 occasions in the last 2 years In have had very bad reactions and am worried. I am at the point of giving up completely but am very depressed at the prospect, my life would change completely. I have heard that Hemp Oil can replace the drugs I'm on in some cases. I would like to know if that woulod be possible before taking my case to my GP
Thanks
Russ

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hemp oil can certainly be tried additionally, but it cannot replace them...

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concerns...

Yes, I concur with you regarding the benefits of hemp oil. However, please note that hemp oil, being alternative and supplemental therapy doesn't really have a lot of clinical trials with respect to these conventional medications, hence can't be replaced like that.

It can certainly be tried as additionally along with the other medications and response can be checked afterwards during the follow-ups.

It's good that you've cut back on the alcohol, but please try to stop it altogether...

Now, coming to your current regimen of medication, the Clopidogrel is an essential medication. Although 5years is a long time period, considering you've almost recovered, I'd recommend getting a check MRI done in the first place, based on the reports, a decision can be taken to completely stop it or replace with a simple baby-aspirin perhaps.

Ramipril can be behind most of those reactions, and can certainly be replaced with other antihypertensives like ARBs (eg. Losartan, Olmesartan etc.)...But before that, a serial blood pressure monitoring along with a few necessary investigations (LFT, KFT, electrolytes, lipid profile, 12 lead ECG) should be done...Similarly, Simvastatin can also be replaced with other medications (eg. Rosuvastatin, Pravastatin) or at least it's dose can be modified based on the check-up...

Please discuss with your GP regarding all these and proceed accordingly...

Let me know if I can assist you further...

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gald to be of service...

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcome...

Yes, please do so...

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee