Shingles symptoms and conditions

This is in response to someone who suggested that if you just take the pill as ordered, you will be ok. T0 put it simply , you are wrong. There are more than a few people affected by this drug. The problem is most people assume that because they have high blood pressure their health is already compromised and they put the weird symptoms and problems they have on their overall health.
I started taking Lisinopril 5 years ago and not once did my doctor connect my sudden problems to Lisinopril.
I was told I needed my right shoulder cuff repaired cause I was overweight and I believed it. I was told I had GERD cause the abdominal fat was pushing the acid into my throat. I believed it. I started having menstrual problems I was told I was getting old ( I am on ly 42 years old). I believed it.
I started having memory and concentration issues I was told I was too stressed at work. I believed it. Started having heart attack and stroke symptoms. I was told I had high blood pressure and I needed to lose weight. I believed it. My knees and joints started giving out.. again I was told I was overweight. Lose weight and I will get better. I believed it. Started having rib cage pain like shingles and I was told it might be my gall bladder. I had a HIDA scan and nothing was found.
One day last summer I felt like I was dying a slow death and I went to the hospital and was found out I was in heart failure, heart rate was irregular and kidney function was impaired.
I was admitted to the ICU for 3 days. While in the ICU I had my blackberry and I started googling all of my meds and I came across this site and I suddenly felt like a thousand pounds was lifted off my shoulders. That was the last Lisinopril pill i took and guess what? EVERY single one of the above problems have magically disappeared.

I work in a healthcare setting where people are admitted that are critically ill. Whenever I see a particular diagnosis I immediately scan their meds and what do I see? Lisinopril. People are having joints replaced, stomach surgeries, shoulder surgeries, irregular heart beats, unexplained heart attacks, people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer and dementia on this drug. People are getting brain lesions and the list goes on and on.
There are over 30 million people worldwide on this drug. If drugs were so good why are people getting sicker and sicker.
Please don't take this drug. Do what you have to do to get your blood pressure under control.

I was given Levaquin for a kidney infection. It seemed to help break my fever but after only one dose, I broke out in rash and later that night had tingling in my legs. My hand felt numb. When I called the oncall doctor she told attributed to anxiety. I told her I was anxious because all of a sudden my hand had gone numb and knowing that was a danger sign I refused to take anymore. Later that night, I could not walk or stand or bear weight on my legs. My shins and Achilles tendons were burning and only because of the internet did I know what was happening to me. Only 1 out of three doctors would agree I was having a drug reaction. For some odd reason, the doctors REFUSE to believe or acknowledge this was caused by Levaquin. No wonder the side effects are "rare" if no doctor will acknowledge the pain their patients are going through....how can the drug companies get any real feedback. Funny thing is only after I sent an email out to my team essentially warning them about this drug did I find out my coworker who had been on medical leave had suffered the same fate of torn achilles tendon and only after 3 months of PT is finally walking without pain. WHAT IS WRONG WITH our world when no one will listen to us. Thank God for the internet. I can walk now and have no pain standing (lasted only 2 and half days) but I am scared about the future as I know the results are lingering. I have been exhausted this whole weekend and wonder if its just me recovering as my PCP had me quit all antibiotics even at the risk of getting my kidney infection back. Well nice to know our stories are the same...and its not in our heads. BTW, my ER doctor told me it was a good drug and very unlikely the cause of my leg pains. They rather believed I had pneumonia or lyme's disease before they would believe it was caused by their beloved drug. All I can think now is I hope one day they are given this drug and it cripples them like it has so many others. Sometimes that is the only way they will acknowledge the truth. It has to happen to them or someone they love.

I don't have any of the side-effects that are mentioned. The drug is designed to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. If you do not exercise or are over weight, your days are already numbered if you have had a heart attack. A persons has to exercise appropriately and get their heart back into shape or they will remain unhealthy. One person mentioned that their BP was 129/142. That is a very high BP. Yes it reduces you ability to do the same rigorous exercise. Reducing the drug (breaking it in half), taking it after your evening meal helped me. The pronounced effect is for about 8 hours after taking the drug. Taking it at about 5-7:00 PM or right before you go to bed works well, because it reduced your Heart rate and BP. Taking it in the morning after taking coffee is a mess-up. A number of drugs should not be taken when you want you most energy. The lingering effects are reduced. Certainly everyone is affected differently. I am 59, I have my heart attack at 56. The exercise, weight loss, and salt reduction are very important for anyone. Fluid retention increases blood pressure. If you are on Lisinopril and eat a lot of salty seasoned foods, your body will not react normally and you will feel terrible and have the combined effects of excess sodium on the systems in the body, especially nerve responses. I can not explain the coughing and gagging. I have GERD and keep it under control with Acidifex; however, after loosing about 10 pounds, (I weight 187 at 5'11'') I do not seem to need the drug.

Stop taking the drug and you may die, taking drugs off the market because a few people have problems is stupid. More people have died from tobacco and excess alcohol than all acidents, wars, murder, and the like, and we have done very little in comparison to deep pocket drug companies.
I understand how the drug works and how it doe3s not work. If you don't do what the doctors says....everything, especially dieting properly, exercising, and reducing stress,

I've been on doxy for about 10 days. I've never had problems with "photosensitivty" when it had been listed as a side effect on other medications. Totally disregarded the warning. I was put on it for some problems that might arise with acne due to a hormonal injection. I was going to the Florida keys in a few days and thought I should go to a tanning bed to get a little color so I wouldn't burn down in the Keys. Within a couple of days my hands began to tingle, burn with warm water, freeze with cool water. It was like my skin was burnt off and my nerve endings were exposed to the elements. While in Florida with my feet and hands in bandages to keep the heat/sun from causing pain I noticed blistering and still have them. I thought I had shingles, even though I had it on both sides of my body! Had an increased heart rate and 2t pitting edema in my feet and calves when flying home and increased itching on feet and hands. Very nervous at this point! I massaged my calves to increase the flow back towards my heart and it seemed to help. I am also experiencing GiI problems as well, severe heartburn and bloating. My son said I looked like I was pregnant! I can't wait to talk to my Dr. tomorrow and will stop taking this medicine. Thanks to all of you for your information. I'm relieved to find out what is causing all of this. I only hope my symptoms will go away sooner than later!

I had Implanon inserted on Feb. 08. I just had it removed about 1 month ago (Jun. 09). This was the WORST birth control experience i have EVER had. I gained over 60 lbs. over a year's time, I was eating less and working out normally, i still kept gaining weight. I would be on my period for months at at time, although i never had any cramps, i developed anemia. I was the worst person to be around, I was always irritated and had lots of trouble sleeping. Occasionally, I would have terrible muscle pains in both arms, felt like loss of circulation. I was always tired and very depressed. I hope anyone who is considering this birth control to reconsider other options. After i had it removed my body went haywire! My red blood cell counts spiked and developed shingles(I am only 22)! Not only that i had the MOST painful period of my life, cramps so bad i had to be put on pain meds! My body is finally getting back to normal, and I feel like a whole new person!!!!!

So glad I found this on the internet. I started taking Niaspan about 6 months ago..500mg at bedtime. I had some flushing, but nothing memorable. I have noticed that I will wake up with my heart beating fast, but I went right back to sleep each time. But, last night, I woke up at 1:30 am on fire..itchy, burning...and burning bad. It covered my face, upper chest, upper arms, buttocks, and the back of my thighs. Like many have said here, it felt like a very bad sunburn. My skin was hot to the touch, and red. I was so shocked and scared, that I almost went to the ER. It lasted for about 20 minutes, but then I got nauseated. I thought I was having a heart attack. I barely sleep all morning. I decided to search the internet, and found your posts. Thank you! I suspected it might be my niaspan, but then it could of been shingles or some heart problems. Know I have my answer. I'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow. No more for me.

I've been taking this medicine Amlodipine Besylate 5mg (generic for Norvasc) for two months. First my feet and ankles are swollen all the time, this only happened to me 34 years ago two days before the birth of our son. Then the itching on both arms and both legs. Then the blisters on my legs and arms. Then the numbness in my right toes. These blisters remind me of shingles my grandmother had in her 80's. I'm (55). I am allergic to anything with sulfur in it.

I had a slight cough for a while, but don't any more. I have been on 20mg for a couple years. About 6 months ago, both knees started hurting, but thought I was just getting old. (49). Then everything started aching. If I am moving, then I'm fine, but if I sit for any length of time and try to get up, I hurt all over. I don't know if it is this med, but reading all these posts make me think it could be. I just need to get my weight off and get off of this!
Also, I got to this site because I started having a sharp, fast pain just below my left ribcage. 2 yesterday, but about 10-15 today. Good thing it only lasts about a second, because it is bad. So-could this be from this drug, as well?

started Zpak last week for a lingering sinus infection. I live in an area where the weather changes constantly. Two days after I finished the 5day Zpak I began experiencing horrible and flu-like symptoms and worse. I can hardly breathe out of my nose. Heavy chest congestion. Lots of diarrhea and even blood in the stool one day. Taste buds are gone. Here I am a week after finishing the Zpak feeling HORRIBLE. I'm afraid to go back to the doctor (uninsured) only to be prescribed something else that might bring on more side effects. Right now I'm taking Sudafed PE and hoping that kicks it. I've been on a Zpak before but NEVER had side effects like this. I don't wish this on anyone. and I'm wondering how long the Zpak stays in your system? It is possible to make you sicker? Seems so in my case and many others here.

Hi, I am a 45 year old male with high cholesterol. prescribed 20mg. of Lipitor to control it. Am having a strange twitching muscle in my right calf since I started the meds. Forearms hurt, trouble sleeping, twitching in my sleep, apparently, tiredness. I'm worried about going off it. My dad died of a heart attack. Would it hurt to try going off it for about 3 months?

Had a heart attack in July and had a stent put in blocked artery. Prior to that I was taking Cartia for blood pressure. Cardiologist switched me to Lisinopril.
I've been having severe pain in my lower back on both sides and also around my rib cage. I'm in cardiac rehab and today my nurse/therapist told me they are increasing Lisinopril from 10 mg to 20 mg. After reading posts on this site, I'm a bit concerned.

Yes, I was told I had genital harpies and turns out I didn't I had a allergic reaction after 1 and 1/2 in me. My body all the sudden decided to reject it and I almost died. I went one week with 107 degree temperature and my doctor wouldn't ultrasound me.. She took a swab and it came back positive for harpies. I knew that couldn't be true. So went to another doctor and they found the Myrina inside me causing this horrible pain and fever. I also suffered a mild stroke. Once cleared I retook the swab and my harpies was gone.. It is the weirdest thing. The doctor said that yes this has happened before were a birth control caused an STD reasing on a test. I also tested positive for shingles. So please keep an eye on it. I also work for a doctors office and they have told me the same thing. Jessica

Prescribed Levaquin 750 mg for diverticulitis. This was a higher does than prescribed for a previous bout of diverticulitis. Experienced extreme nausea at each dose. Eventually developed a skin rash that burned so bad it felt like I was being skinned alive. I have had shingles in the past and they were less painful than this!!! After 5 days of antihistamines, steroids, oatmeal baths and pain killers I am finally able to put clothes on again!! The dermatologists diagnosis was delayed reaction to the Levaquin...never again!!!!!

I am a healthy female with little to no history of adverse reactions to medications. I was prescribed a 10 day dose of Levequin (500 mg) for a minor but stubborn skin abscess. After the third day, I woke up with significant joint soreness in my fingers. Progressively the soreness spread daily to my wrists, elbows, ankles, knees, hips, etc. I did not suspect the antibiotic at first, but I know my body, and I know something was WRONG.
After my 8th dose I decided to look online...it is at least good to know that what I'm experiencing is definitely from Levequin. Thank you all for sharing your stories.

I especially found MERCEDESLANE posting on April 15th interesting. I guess this person works in the health care system. Considering this uncompassionate individual, who apparently wants everythone to know he has a Mercedes, can't spell (whine), and does not have basic grammar skills. Wow...my faith in the our health care system is stronger than ever. But what do I know, I'm just an "IDIOT" with shingles that needs to have a couple of glasses of whine while I pop my remaining Levequin.

Earlier this summer, I developed a case of shingles. It went away, but about a week ago a similar rash broke out. I thought that it was a second bout of shingles, but my doctor assured me that it would be impossible to contract the disease on different parts of my body. Because I am not home with my ordinary doctor, I had to see another doctor, who was unsure of what the rash could be, but nevertheless prescribed with with 50mg of Prednisone daily. I took my first dose today, and am reluctant to continue. I don't want to be a victim of any of the side effects, but am unsure as to whether there is another way to go about getting rid of the rash. Any advice that could be given so as to not have to continue with the Prednisone would be great. I don't want the rapid weight gain, depression, mood swings, etc.

My husband has Kenalog injections to help with his breathing. He has emphysema. Last year he came down with Shingles and the Dr. said it is due to the Kenalog

I have been io Lisinopril for several months, and the only side effect I can say is a VERY ANNOYING rash on the inside of my upper thighs. It comes and goes and gets worse with warmth, like a heat rash. I also have now developed a rash on my butt that is looks to me like shingles. Very itchy, to the point of bleeding from scratching. I treated with diaper rash ointment and triple antibiotic ointment to not much improvement. Reently tried a jock itch ointment which seems to be working. Also took myself off Lisinopril 2 days ago, and things are getting better, but very slowly........

My 71 year old mother was put on Advair approximately two years ago after she was diagnosed with COPD. She has always been a tiny, petit woman her entire life, and after being placed on Advair she has nearly doubled in weight. This week she has broken out in shingles (herpes zoster) on her back and left breast. For a year she has had psoriasis on her right hand. Never before has she had so many rashes and skin issues since being on Advair. She has also experienced joint pain and numbness since being placed on Advair and began having panic/anxiety attacks as well - something she has never had in her life. Also, the hoarseness, or "lump in her throat" she is always trying to clear is nearly always present. Monday she is suggesting to her GP that she be weaned off of Advair altogether and we'll see what other options are available. Maybe this is the "miracle drug" for some; but for others it has been a nightmare.

I want to add something to my original post. I only took this med for 10 days (5mg) and was miserable. After 3 weeks I was beginning to feel better (having 1 bad day, then 2 good) when suddenly I experienced pain in my left side, numbness and tingling. My doctor sent me for a kidney scan. Five days after this new pain began, I developed another rash. I realized that I had shingles. So PLEASE be careful if you have any symptoms. This puts a terrible stress on your immune system. Apparently my immune system couldn't handle the stress and the result is shingles. So, I'm miserable again and probably have another 3 weeks to go before I begin to come out from this episode.

Also, for those of you who are switching to another blood pressure medicine that is an ace inhibitor (as lisinopril is), you will not tolerate those either. They are all made from the same ingredient, snake venom.

Back again Oh my am so confused on what to do.. I was taken off this med(LISINOPRIL) at my extreme constant complaint- and put on another--well either I have atypical reactions to all these drugs or am still having side effects from the Lisinopril-- I am taking diavon now-- I feel even worse-- rash is back head hurts so bad I could cry and I am weak all the time.. I could pull every hair that is left on the top of my head right out! I now have that rash around my neck and upper legs- was told before it could be the shingles hey I never had them before,, never.. my nerves are shattered I cry a lot and am hesitant to change again-so I stopped this is day 2 and my headache has subsided
What are we to do I am at wits end.. I know I need something but what today I am at 140/90 going back up,, any suggestions? I started taking Zinc yesterday was told that I am experiencing LOW ZINC LEVELS DUE TO THE LISINOPRIL(HAS ANYONE ELSE BEEN TOLD THIS?)

I have been off this medication since July 19 and yesterday, a rash began on my stomach again. A few days ago, I developed pain under my rib cage and a tingling feeling on my skin. That still persists. I have read that several people did have the rash return, so that makes me feel better, but what I would like to know is......did anybody take anything that helped get this drug out of their system quicker??? I am tired of feeling terrible.

I did a post a few days ago--but must add to it. I have SLE, MS, CAD, HBP, having 5 stents, asoteoporosis, arachnoiditis, cerebritis/vasculitis from lupus, chronic pain(fibramyalgia) and a bucn more that ill give u sum idea. I am also a RN for28 years and KNOW what medications can do. I mena come on lets face it--if we ALL read THOROUGHLY all the inserts with ANY medication--NONE of us wud take any of it. Even ADVIL and ASA have horrific side effect.!! I saw my doctor yesterday afternoon due to this rash--not my typical lupus reash---doesn't look like discoid lupus, it begins on my chest goes uop my face then all down my back then gradually works its way down my leg---it gets rasm, macular and some some end up with a popular looking area. The PAIN from if is almost as bad as the itch from the rash. I have had shingles and it is similar to that pain. I have been putting topical steroid base creams all over to no avail. I begged my doctor for the KENOLOG shot and discussed GREATLY the side effects: I have had a hysterectomy so that is nothing, it cause cause a psychosis, depression, panic racing thots insomnia--basically ALL the side effects everyone has mentioned---but IT WORKS -I JUST GOT UP AND THIS DIFFIGURING DISCUSTING RASH ALL OVER IS ALMOST 90% GONE!!!! Like I said I have been on steroids most of my life--and I KNOW the side effects of them--PERIOD. Educated patients READ the inserts and ask their doctors---all meds have risks but the questio is does the risk outweigh the benefit t
??????????? I am on a mediation that has you with an increase of 10-15% increase of having an heart attack--which I have had two--but I CHOOSE to take it becuz the benefit outweighs the risks. I understand 100% all the complaints concerns and everything, attorneys will NOT take cases where the medication is used and adminierted the correct way--esp. when the side effects are clearly listed. Doctors are TOO freaking bust these days to sit and TALK and explain every side effect with each of their patients. Does each of you know that the average physician HAS TO SEE at least 60---yes sixty patients A DAY???? That is actually in their contract--thata approximately 7 and a half minutes ith each of us.!!!!!!! Make a list of all ur concerns, questions etc for the doctor and I do this ---I manuaver my chair to in feonrt of the door and I DO NOT LT THE DOCTOR OUT until he has answered ALL my concerns---yea they get mad tell me I can't do that--and my response is is IF YOU can make me wait in ur office lobby for more than an hour--I will do what I have to do to get proper CARE!!! Shuts most of them up. But I am lucky I do have 6 of the most careling and compassionate physicians--I have lucked up--I have had my share of "stupid" doctors but-hey WE are the patient-=-go to another one until ya get one ya like. If you go to other website about medicine there are many more complaints and unhappy patients with medications they take. But I understand where all of US are coming from---Doctors are no different than us--and they are not GOD--they make mistakes and as long as they don't KNOWING harm you---or commit fraud--no lawsuit happening---now sueing the MAKER of kenalog MAY be a possibility( my sisiter is an attorny) thats her advice and itd have to be a class action suit and its kinda sad--patients don't ever get much in things like this but its worth a shot!!!

I am 24 years old and I had a pulmonary embolism last month. I was on the birth control YAZ for only 3 months, and that's what doctors seem to think caused it. My insurance only paid for me to be in the hospital for three daysand I was sent home with lovenox shots and Coumadin pills.

One month later, my INR is still unstable, fluctuating so much that they are checking it twice per week. My dosage is constantly changing. I have a red, painful rash on my buttocks - it hurts of sit for more than a few minutes. I am losing clumps of hair. I have lost my libido. I am very irritable and snap at my husband several times per day. I have a headache almost daily and frequent nausea.

I hate these side effects!

I too had have unpleasant side effects. Strange smell and now soreness . Gp wondered if it was herpes or shingles and am due a test today But am 150% certain of my partner and myself? I wondered about Marina coil as ve had an infection after insertion and bled since insertion in January only last month bleeding as been intermittent, every day for 4 months! strange smell too which thought was my imagination. Not mentioned to gp as thought he would think me odd!

I have lived with debilitating migraines for the last 14 years of my life (I'm 33). I had been on heavy duty pain killers that were prescribed monthly to me -- the dulled the pain a little but, really did not help all that much. Almost 2 years ago I got shingles and my doctor put me on lyrica. I thought I had died and gone to heaven at first when I took it I felt really strange like I was dizzy and not really coherent. After the first week or two I did not notice any side effects and my pain had never been so manageable. For some reason my body gets used to the dosages so it has been increased several times -- I currently take 300 mg four times a day. I have gained over 30 pounds in the last year and I am just afraid that I will continue to gain weight. I am considering tapering off the medication but am scared to death that the pain will be unbearable!!