Swelling of feet and legs

Hello. I am a 26 year old female. Yesterday I saw my family doctor. She gave me penicillin for Strep throat. Last night I noticed my feet were swollen. At first I thought it was from standing most of the day. When I woke up this morning the swelling was gone. As the day went on the swelling came back in my feet and now my legs. I am on several medications for anxiety and migraines, but the newest medication is penicillin. Also, I have been taking Zyprexa 2.5 less than two weeks. Is it possible that medication is causing the swelling? What should I do? Thanks, Kim

Advice

Swelling could be due to the Zyprexa (or Olanzapine) as it is a recognised side effect. If you have been laid up with your strep throat it maybe what we call orthostatic edema. This occurs as a result of lack of mobility so that fluid isn’t pumped out of your legs in the usual way. Finally, streptococcus can affect the kidneys causing something called Glomerulonephritis. This can cause fluid accumulation and renal or kidney failure. It’s a good idea to see your doctor about this as they can check your urine for protein leakage (high protein in the urine is a feature). They can also discuss whether you should come off the Zyprexa or not and advise on other treatments that may help you. It may be nothing, but do get it checked as you there may be simple solutions to your problem or at least help available should it be something more significant.




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