Pharmacist on the amlodipine side effect that 'gets worse over time'

Pharmacist on the amlodipine side effect that 'gets worse over time' Raj Patel has shone a light on one side effect that should never be ignored in a recent TikTok video People taking a common blood pressure medication have been warned not to dismiss one particular side effect that is said to get worse over time. Raj Patel, known as the Straight-Talking Pharmacist on TikTok, warns the symptom can be linked to amlodipine. Amlodipine is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and angina by relaxing and widening blood vessels. Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is a recognised side effect, according to the NHS, and can occur even when the medicine is doing its job of lowering blood pressure. Mr Patel, who has more than 100,000 followers and millions of likes on TikTok, has shared advice on recognising the pattern of swelling. He said: "After 35 years in the pharmacy game, swollen ankles with amlodipine is one side effect I'd never tell you to simply put up with.” He explained that the medication can affect fluid distribution around the ankles, with swelling sometimes developing gradually and becoming more noticeable later in the day. He continued: “If your swelling came gradually, affects both your ankles and gets worse later on in the day, amlodipine is possibly one of the reasons." The pharmacist stressed that people should not stop taking their prescription simply because they notice this side effect. "The prescriber may be able to adjust your dose or discuss another option," he said, adding that patients should raise the issue with their healthcare professional. NHS guidance also advises speaking to a pharmacist or doctor if side effects are troublesome or do not go away, and says people should keep taking amlodipine unless advised otherwise. Taking a photograph of the swelling and noting when it appears or whether it changes during the day may help explain the problem during a medication review. However, not all swelling should be blamed on amlodipine, as oedema can also be caused by other medicines, an injury, infection or conditions affecting the heart, kidneys or liver. Sudden swelling in one leg, particularly if it is painful, red or warm, needs urgent medical assessment, while chest pain or sudden breathing difficulty can be signs of a medical emergency. Mr Patel warned: "But if one leg suddenly becomes swollen, painful, red or warm or you become breathless or develop chest pain, that's a different pattern and needs urgent help." Anyone experiencing chest pain or severe, sudden breathlessness should call 999 or seek emergency care, rather than waiting for a routine medication review.