What's the difference between Micardis and Atenolol?
I can't afford the Micardis that my doctor recommends (his office is not giving out free samples anymore), but he doesn't like the Atenolol that I was on before I came to him. I actually felt better on the Atenolol, and I could afford it ($14 compared to the $60 for a month's supply). I'm 30 years old, very active and in decent shape, and was on Atenolol for many years. My doctor said that Atenolol was for 'fat old men who sit on the couch all day and who've already had heart attacks', not for someone like me who hikes 4-10 miles a day at high elevations to fix trails and do search-and-rescues. My thyroid tested completely normal, and I just have high blood pressure. What's the difference if I actually felt better before the Micardis? (I've been on the Micardis for about 9 months).
Suzanne,
Micardis is in the drug class known as Angiotensin II inhibitor. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure. Blocking this enzyme causes blood vessels to relax and lower blood pressure. Micardis will not be available as a generic until 2014.
Atenolol is a beta blocker that is cardioselective compared to older beta blockers. They tend to have fewer side effects that its predecessors and is well tolerated by most patients. It is now available in generic form, which is why it is so cheap.
If cost is an issue, you need to discuss this with your doctor who might consider changing your regiment to cheaper, but effective, generic drugs. You also need to discuss how you are feeling now compared to before. He might consider switching you back to the atenolol.
I hope this information has been useful to you.
Martin Cane, M.D.
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Canada pharmacies has the generic version for $58.00 shipped for 100 generic Micardis.I know I am about a year late here but I just seen your post.
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