lisinopril vs ARB? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

hiramtraveler · 01-26-2004, 06:36 PM

Hi All, talked to my doc today. He had originally prescribed lisinopril but after reading the boards I asked him about ARB's and he said if he was on something he would be doing Diovan. He, therefore, gave me the option of lisinopril diovan (or cozaar, avapro). Any thoughts on the best of the bunch. My numbers are not very high, prehypertensive to mild hypertensive (diet and exercise aren't doing it, I run, am thin, and generally in shape). Thanks

zuzu8 · 01-26-2004, 06:59 PM

The ARBs are all pretty much identical, but some recent studies indicate that Atacand MAY have a slight edge over the others. Very very very slight and not enough to break your bank account for it. Most insurance companies give you a better break with Cozaar. I'm on Diovan and it works great for me...but it isn't on my prescription plan's "preferred" formulary list, so I pay more. Cozaar is on "the list" but it took me so long to finally find a BP med that didn't kill me, I don't want to fool around switching again, even to another ARB.

Bottom line, you'll do just fine with any one of them. So I'd go with the least expensive option.

Good luck! The ARBs should work well for you, especially given your BP isn't too high.
zuzu xx

hiramtraveler · 01-26-2004, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuzu8

The ARBs are all pretty much identical, but some recent studies indicate that Atacand MAY have a slight edge over the others. Very very very slight and not enough to break your bank account for it. Most insurance companies give you a better break with Cozaar. I'm on Diovan and it works great for me...but it isn't on my prescription plan's "preferred" formulary list, so I pay more. Cozaar is on "the list" but it took me so long to finally find a BP med that didn't kill me, I don't want to fool around switching again, even to another ARB.

Bottom line, you'll do just fine with any one of them. So I'd go with the least expensive option.

Good luck! The ARBs should work well for you, especially given your BP isn't too high.
zuzu xx

Thanks for your help!

zip2play · 01-27-2004, 05:23 AM

Hiram,
Let me throw in my two cents.
I think the ACE inhibitors win on both BP Control and Cost, IF (a huge if) they don't have you coughing your head off 24/7.

Then you have no choice but to try the ARB. I take Cozaar and don't LOVE it but it's side effect free (but expensive and worth only 10 points in systolic control- common to the class.) I must take other agents with it to get control when I need it.

Fortunately, I'm bringing my weight down and, little by little, dropping my meds while still getting 120/80. Fifteen more pounds and it's bye-bye pills (till next weight gain...OH, the HORROR <in my best Brando>.)

jtu91952 · 02-01-2004, 03:47 PM

What is ARB. Also what type of drug is Cozaar. I take an ACE inhibitor, lisinopril. It is suppose to be good, but then I must ask why am I taking 3/4 more bp meds. Like, hctz, verapamil, and avapro. I quick taking toprol xl because it caused me great reallllly great back pain and racing heart. I called the company and they told me to stop taking it and see my doc. The doc insisted I keep taking it. I refused and went to another doc. I have too many illness to mess around. Once my bp was 225/106 and this stupid doc refused to change my meds.