What causes the recurrence of pain and poor blood circulation in the legs which resolved with Pletal the first time?
Patient: My husband takes codeine, prescribed by sleep doctor at Winthrop Hospital on Long Island for serious sleep condition. 15 mg. Years ago he took Pletal (cilostazol) for pain/circulation in legs. He stopped when it got better. This week it is back. Can he take the two drugs or is there an interaction. Thanks. Doctor: Welcome to HCM community. Before elaborating on your husbnds problem, let me tell you that there are no reported interactions between codiene and Cilostazol. We prescribe Cilostazol in patients with claudiccation. Claudication occurs with narrowing of the arteries of the lower limbs. If the pain is back, it is better to visit your physician who will prescribe Cilostazol along with anti-platelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel. Cilostazol helps in improving the symptoms and increases the walking distance. Anti-platelet drugs are given to decrease the risk of stroke and cardiac problems.Exercise is the most crucial part of treatment. Before taking the medication, it is better to start exercising to the point where the pain starts. When he feels that the pain is about to start, he can stop exercising. This will help in the growth of new vessels which supplements the blood supply to the lower limb.If the patient cannot exercise or if the cilostazol does not improve symptoms, then your doctor will offer you re-vascularization procedures. In revascularization, the blood flow through the blocked artery is restored.I would recommend that you schedule an appointment with your GP. She/he will discuss all treatment options with you and make the necessary referrals. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Please feel free to ask if you have any more questions.