does atacand cause muscle pain ?? if so what to do

myrtis,

Thanks for your question.  Atacand is in the class of blood pressure medication called Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs).  It can cause muscle pain and even, in rare cases, muscle damage, which releases material, called myoglobin, that is then filtered by the kidneys.  If severe, kidney damage can result.  In addition to muscle pain, the urine can become dark due to the myoglobin.

The thing to do is contact your physician and make an appointment for an evaluation.  He may ask you to stop the medication until your situation is analyzed.  He will also check your kidney function as well as urine to look for signs of muscle and/or kidney damage.  Should he feel that the medication is the cause, there are several other types of blood pressure meds that can safely be used for your treatment.

As always, never stop medication or change a dose without speaking with your physician.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.