Q: I have been on Blood pressure tablet for several years now, Diovan 80mg (valsartan). It was reasonably steady at around 148/64 however a new Doctor has recently put me on Losartan-Potassium 100mg, and it has risen to 170/64, I have to see him again in 2 months. Should I ask for an earlier appointment or do these tablets take time get into the bloodstream? I have taken them for a week now.
A: I do not know why your doctor wants to wait two months to see how your new blood pressure medicine is working. It does not take that long for losartan-potassium blood levels to be established. Since your blood pressure seems to be worse on the new medication, you should call your doctor and ask for advice.
Yes, see your doctor (or another one) at once and ask for the reason your BP meds had to be changed. If he is a new doctor may be he is getting a kick-back for prescribing certain medications. Not a good enough reason to change a medication that has been working.