Calcium Channel Blocker Therapy Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER THERAPY PREVENTING HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES

eople with high blood pressure What problems could I have If you are prescribed medications Pmay be more likely to have a taking a calcium channel by your health care professional, stroke or heart attack, or develop blocker? it’s important for you to take them kidney disease. If you have high as directed. Don’t stop taking them blood pressure, your doctor may Most people who take this med without consulting with your prescribe certain medications to ication have few or no side effects. health care professional first. If you lower your risk for these things. Some people may feel dizziness, are experiencing side effects, your Calcium channel blockers are one lightheadedness, swelling feet or health care professional may be able type of medication that can help ankles, flushing, or headache. to change the medication or the control your blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure dosage to prevent the side effects. regularly is important for anyone How do calcium channel If you believe you cannot afford who takes blood pressure medicines. your medication, financial assis blockers help control Calcium channel blockers do not tance may be available. To learn blood pressure? require any blood tests for monitoring. more, talk to the pharmacist or call Calcium channel blockers control To reduce the risk of having the Medical Financial Assistance how much calcium enters your Program at 18663997696. cells. (People who take calcium problems taking a calcium channel blockers do not need to channel blocker: What do I need to know adjust their calcium intake.) • To reduce dizziness and light about my medications? They relax the blood vessels so blood headedness, move slowly when Before you leave the clinic, take can flow more easily. Controlling getting up from sitting or the time to ask your doctor or blood pressure helps prevent strokes, lying down. member of your health care team heart attacks, and kidney problems. • Do not eat or drink more than 8 about your medications. Ask: • Why am I taking them? Sometimes calcium channel block oz. of grapefruit or grapefruit ers are prescribed to lower the ef juice per day while taking calcium • How often and how long should fects of angina (pain or pressure channel blockers. I take them? across the chest, usually caused by • If you are pregnant or may become • Are there any special instructions activity). They may increase the pregnant in the near future, talk for taking this medication? ability to exercise without having with your doctor about taking a • Should I always take medications angina symptoms as often. calcium channel blocker. at mealtime?

How do medications fit • Are there activities that I should Calcium channel blockers include: avoid while taking any medication? • amlodipine into my treatment plan? • What kind of side effects could I • felodipine Although medications are an impor have? What symptoms should I • nifedipine tant part of your treatment plan, look for? • verapamil they do not take the place of • How can I avoid side effects?

• diltiazem healthy eating, regular physical activity, and stress management.

Health Education Understanding your medications

What should I do if I have • If a health care professional What else could I do to side effects? recommends it, carry some kind manage my medication? of medical identification, like a Be sure to tell your health care Medic Alert bracelet. For more • Take your medications at the professional if there are reasons why information, call 18886334298, same time every day: ______. you cannot take any medication or go to MedicAlert.org. • Keep a personal medication that’s prescribed. Also, tell your record card (wallet card) with you health care professional if you How can I remember to and keep it uptodate. Include seem to have trouble remembering take my medications? any drug or food allergies that you to take your medication. We all have a hard time adjusting may have and any overthe to new routines in our lives. These counter or nonprescription Understanding your medications, herbs, or supplements medications tips work for others; maybe they can help you too. that you are taking. • Review your medication record • Make a simple chart and post it card regularly with your health in an obvious place where you Other resources care professionals, including your will see it every day, like the • Connect to our Web site at dentist. mirror in the bathroom. kp.org. • When you purchase any new • Set your alarm clock, watch, or • Contact your Kaiser Permanente

medications, including overthe computer as a reminder. Health Education Center or De counter medications, ask the partment for books, videos, • Take medications at the same pharmacist to check for any classes, and additional resources. time every day: before bed, at interactions with your current • If you are hit, hurt, or threatened mealtime, or at the beginning of medications. by a partner or spouse, this can a TV show you watch every day, • Refill your medications at least seriously affect your health. There such as the evening news. one to two week(s) before you is help. Call the National Domestic • Use a pillbox with seven sections, Violence Hotline at 1800799 run out. Refills may be processed one for each day of the week. 7233 or connect to ndvh.org. by phone, online through our Web • Record your medications on a site, or in person at the pharmacy. wallet card or calendar. Refills may be delivered to your home by mail at no extra cost. Can you think of others?

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medica tions or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.