From the Research
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are not typically known to cause back pain as a common side effect. While all medications can have various side effects, back pain is not specifically associated with ARBs like losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, olmesartan, or telmisartan. The most common side effects of ARBs include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and occasionally cough (though less frequently than with ACE inhibitors) 1. If you're experiencing back pain while taking an ARB, it's more likely due to another cause rather than the medication itself. ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure by allowing blood vessels to relax and widen. This mechanism doesn't typically affect the musculoskeletal system in ways that would cause back pain. If you're experiencing persistent back pain while on an ARB, you should consult your healthcare provider to investigate other potential causes, but you generally don't need to suspect your ARB medication as the culprit.
Some key points to consider:
- The provided evidence does not directly link ARBs to back pain as a common side effect.
- Studies on back pain, such as those discussing NSAIDs for acute or chronic low back pain 2, 3, do not mention ARBs as a cause of back pain.
- The focus of the studies is on the treatment of back pain rather than the side effects of specific medications like ARBs.
- The most recent and highest quality study relevant to medication side effects, in this case, 1, does not mention back pain as an association with ARBs but discusses their potential benefits in other contexts, like COVID-19 infection outcomes.
Given the information and focusing on the most recent and highest quality evidence, there is no clear indication that ARBs cause back pain. Therefore, if back pain is experienced while taking an ARB, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to investigate other potential causes.