- Indication
- Heart failure, hypertension and prophylaxis of CV events
- RAG rating
- n/a
- Document type
- Patient information
- Place
- Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
- Output type
- Pharmacy / Prescribing
- Information leaflet
- Perindopril-Arginine-Patient-information-leaflet.docx
Perindopril Arginine Patient information leaflet
Perindopril Arginine – Information for Patients
NHS guidance states that some medicines should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the medicines are:
- Not as safe as other medicines OR
- Not as good (effective) as other medicines OR
- More expensive than other medicines that do the same thing.
One of these medicines is perindopril arginine.
This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.
What is perindopril?
Perindopril belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors, which are used in heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease in people who have diabetes and in the prevention of heart disease and strokes.
Perindopril tablets are available in two forms called perindopril arginine and perindopril erbumine (also sometimes known as tert-butylamine).
Why does the NHS want to reduce prescribing of perindopril arginine?
Perindopril arginine tablets are more stable in extremes of temperature than perindopril erbumine tablets which makes them better for use in hot climates. This stability increases the period before they are out-of-date from two to three years. This doesn’t really matter in the UK, so there is no need to use perindopril arginine instead of perindopril erbumine in this country.
Both forms work in the same way and have the same benefits, but perindopril arginine is much more expensive than perindopril erbumine, so is not good value for money.
What options are available instead of perindopril arginine?
You are likely to be prescribed perindopril erbumine tablets instead of perindopril arginine tablets. The dose of perindopril erbumine you are prescribed will probably be slightly lower than the dose of perindopril arginine that you are currently taking but they will have the same effect.
What do I do if my medicine has been changed and it’s causing me problems?
You are unlikely to have problems with the new medicine as both forms of perindopril work in the same way and have the same benefits and the same side effects.
However, if you do have problems you should speak to your prescriber.
Where can I find more information and support?
- You can speak to your local pharmacist, GP practice team or the person who prescribed the medication to you
- The Patients Association can also offer support and advice: www.patients-association.org.uk/ or call 0800 345 7115
- Healthwatch: www.healthwatch.co.uk
Find out more about the medicines that are being stopped or reduced: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/items-which-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-policy-guidance/