CARDIVAS 12.5mg Tablet

WHAT IS CARVEDILOL?

Carvedilol is a beta-blocker drug that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). It is prescribed primarily for the treatment of heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used after a heart attack and may be used in other conditions not listed here.

Carvedilol is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Coreg and Cardivas (made by Sun Pharma).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CARVEDILOL:

Do not take Carvedilol (Coreg, Cardivas) if you have a known allergy to it, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart conditions such as a heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).
If you are scheduled for a surgery, inform your surgeon well in advance that you are using Carvedilol. You may be required to suspend taking this medicine for a short time. Also do not stop taking Carvedilol without your doctor?s advice. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, your condition will deteriorate for the worse.

Do not consume alcohol (even products or other drugs containing alcohol) within 2 hours before or after taking an extended release Carvedilol. Alcohol can cause Carvedilol to be released too quickly into the body which is not the aim of an extended release medicine. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking Carvedilol even if you don?t have any symptoms. High blood pressure doesn?t have any outwardly signs. You may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life.

Carvedilol is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known whether this medicine can harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. It is also not known whether Carvedilol can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before taking Carvedilol if any of these cases apply to you.

BEFORE TAKING CARVEDILOL:

Before taking Carvedilol (Coreg, Cardivas), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.

To ensure that this drug is safe for you, inform your doctor before taking Carvedilol if you have any of the following conditions: diabetes (taking Carvedilol can make it difficult for you to judge when you have low blood sugar), angina, low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, a thyroid disorder, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), circulation problems (such as Raynaud?s syndrome), or a history of allergies.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARVEDILOL?

Take Carvedilol strictly according to your doctor?s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Carvedilol works best when taken with food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

Carvedilol can impact your pupils during a cataract surgery. Let your eye surgeon know in advance that you are using this medicine. Follow your doctor?s advice carefully. Carvedilol is a part of a full line of treatment for blood pressure which includes diet restrictions, exercises, and other medicines. Follow a proper regimen of these as directed by your doctor to keep your blood pressure in control.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose of Carvedilol, take it as soon as you remember. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?

In case of an overdose of Carvedilol, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor Immedaitely. Overdose may result in uneven heartbeat, breathlessness, bluish colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, seizure, or fainting.

THINGS AND ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WHILE TAKING CARVEDILOL:

Carvedilol may impact your thinking capability and reflexes. Take extra care while driving or other such activities that require a high level of mental awareness and alertness. Do not consume alcohol (even products or other drugs containing alcohol) within 2 hours before or after taking an extended release Carvedilol. Alcohol can cause Carvedilol to be released too quickly into the body which is not the aim of an extended release medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any other restrictions while using this medicine. Avoid getting up quickly from a lying or sitting position otherwise you may feel dizzy.

SIDE EFFECTS OF

COMMON

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Light headedness
Diarrhea, or fatigue

SERIOUS

Rash
Itching
Swelling Of Face, Tongue, Or Throat, Or Breathing Trouble
Unusual Fatigue
Sudden Or Unexplained Weight Gain
Severe Dizziness
Severe Stomach Or Abdominal Pain

CARVEDILOL DOSING INFORMATION:

Carvedilol dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor?s advice properly for best results.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:

Other drugs can interact with Carvedilol. Some of them include allergy drugs, cimetidine, cyclosporine, fluconazole, insulin or oral diabetes medicines, rafampin, antidepressants, other heart or blood pressure medicine, HIV medicines, MAO inhibitors, anti emetics, or narcotic pain killers. However, these are not the only drugs that can interact with Carvedilol. Inform your doctor in advance if you use any other medicines or related products. Never start a new medicine without proper medical advice.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

USES OF CARDIVAS TABLET

• Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
• Treatment of Heart failure

BENEFITS OF CARDIVAS TABLET

In Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet works by blocking the effects of some chemicals on your heart and blood vessels. It slows down your heart rate and helps the heart to beat with less force. This lowers your blood pressure and helps in reducing your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, other heart problems, or kidney problems in the future. This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective, so keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.

In Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet relaxes the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body and makes sure that your heart is getting a good supply of oxygen. This makes it less likely that you will suffer chest pain caused by angina. This medicine can help increase your ability to exercise and go about your daily life more easily by reducing the frequency of angina attacks. You should take it regularly and as long as it is prescribed for it to work effectively.

In Treatment of Heart failure

Heart failure means your heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to your lungs and the rest of your body. The most common symptoms are breathlessness, tiredness, and swelling in your legs, ankles, abdomen, and other parts of your body. Cardivas 12.5 Tablet makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body and is, therefore, effective treatment for heart failure.

This medicine will help relieve your symptoms, making you feel better and more energetic. You should make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthily and keeping active) to help this medicine be effective. Take it regularly and keep taking it even if you feel better.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CARDIVAS TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Cardivas

• Decreased blood pressure
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

HOW TO USE CARDIVAS TABLET

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cardivas 12.5 Tablet is to be taken with food.

HOW CARDIVAS TABLET WORKS

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet is an alpha and beta blocker. It works by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels which makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood around the body.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Cardivas 12.5 Tablet.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Cardivas 12.5 Tablet is recommended.
However, inform your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended for dose adjustment.

Liver

CAUTION

Cardivas 12.5 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Cardivas 12.5 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Cardivas 12.5 Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE CARDIVAS TABLET?

If you miss a dose of Cardivas 12.5 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.