Q. I was surprised to hear that taking acetaminophen daily might lead to elevated blood pressure. Even though I eat a low-fat, vegetarian diet I am stuck with the family curse—high blood pressure. I take extra-strength pain relievers containing acetaminophen several times a week.
A. Researchers reported in the journal Hypertension (Sept. 2005) that women who regularly rely on more than 500 mg of acetaminophen daily almost doubled their risk of developing high blood pressure. Although aspirin was not implicated, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen were associated with higher blood pressure in this study.
The investigators concluded “Because acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used, they may contribute to the high prevalence of hypertension in the United States.
Men may be less susceptible, however. A large study of male doctors found no connection between pain reliever use and high blood pressure (Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 12, 2005).
Q. I take alendronate (Fosamax) to keep my bones strong. I am concerned about the possibility this drug could cause osteonecrosis. What can you tell me?
A. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (death of the jaw bone) has been linked to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that includes Fosamax. Although quite rare, this complication appears more likely when Aredia or Zometa are given intravenously to treat cancer patients. A few cases have been associated with taking Fosamax or Actonel for osteoporosis treatment. Tooth extraction seems to trigger this serious condition and dentists are being urged to preserve teeth whenever possible.
Q. Sometimes I get terrible cramps in my feet and lower legs at night. When they occur, I get up, walk around and yell a lot. If I take a couple swigs of tonic water, that may help.
I’ve tried to prevent them by eating a banana or drinking some potassium-rich fruit juice before bed. Sometimes this works to ward off the cramps, but not always.
I take atenolol, Norvasc, tolazamide, Lasix and Diovan for diabetes and heart failure. Neither my cardiologist nor my primary physician has had any success helping me with these leg cramps. I’d be grateful for any remedies to ease the excruciating pain.
A. Some of your medications may be contributing to muscle cramps, but you can’t afford to stop taking them. With your medical conditions, you also need to be careful what home remedies you try. Pickle juice, which is a favorite of some leg-cramp sufferers, is too high in sodium to be safe for you.
You may want to try sleeping with soap. As strange as it sounds, many readers report that when an ordinary bar of soap is placed under the bottom sheet, it prevents leg cramps. Others tell us that a spoonful of yellow mustard can stop cramps in seconds.
We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain for detailed instructions and more suggestions about remedies for leg cramps. Anyone who would like a copy may order one online at www.peoplespharmacy.com or send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ The People’s Pharmacy®, No. RLS-5, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. I’ve heard that there are three new drugs for macular degeneration. What are they?
A. The medicines are Macugen, Lucentis and Avastin. Ask your retinal specialist whether any would be appropriate for you.
