Bisoprolol-Fumarate

• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your medical provider. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop this drug. Some people who have suddenly stopped taking similar drugs have experienced chest pain, heart attack and irregular heartbeat.
• If your medical provider decides you should no longer use this drug, they may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over 1 to 2 weeks.

• When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:

  • Chest pain, tightness or pressure
  • Chest pain spreading to the jaw, neck or arm
  • Unusual sweating
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Bisoprolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
• This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals (such as epinephrine) in your body on the heart and blood vessels. This lowers the heart rate, blood pressure and strain on the heart.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your medical provider, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• Tell your medical provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens—for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.

• Tiredness, slow heartbeat, diarrhea, dizziness and erectile dysfunction may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away.
• To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience any serious side effects, including:

  • Very slow heartbeat
  • Fainting
  • Blue fingers or toes
  • Mental or mood changes, such as confusion, mood swings or depression

• Although this medication may be used to treat heart failure, some people may, in rare cases, develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience any of these serious side effects:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling ankles or feet
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Unusual or sudden weight gain

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Bisoprolol, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for more details.

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Psoriasis
  • Angina
  • Certain types of heart rhythm problems, such as a slow heartbeat and second- or third-degree atrioventricular block
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
  • Serious allergic reactions, including those requiring treatment with Epinephrine
  • Blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's disease and peripheral vascular disease
  • Mental or mood disorders, such as depression
  • The muscle disease myasthenia gravis
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate the effect. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical provider if you are using marijuana.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
• If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product may also make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your medical provider. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination. They may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program or diet.
• Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, feed children on a regular schedule. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating or seizures), stop this medication and tell the doctor right away.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when there is a clear need. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider.
• It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it can harm a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider before breastfeeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use—including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products—and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
• Fingolimod may interact with this drug.
• Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely—especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids or NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen.

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Talk with your medical provider about making changes to your lifestyle that may help this medication work better, such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes.
• Have your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to check your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your medical provider.
• Lab and/or medical tests should be performed while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information.