WHAT IS Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

BISOPROLOL is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• sotalol/Betapace

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• medicines for high blood pressure
• rifampin
• medicines to control heart rhythm

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• muscle aches and pains
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet
• swollen legs or ankles
• vomiting
• chest pain
• tremors
• confusion
• sweating
• breathing problems
• irregular, slow heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• anxiety
• depression
• dry or burning eyes
• change in sex drive or performance
• headache
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Bisoprolol/Bisoprolol fumarate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• chest pain (angina)
• liver disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
• heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease
• kidney disease
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bisoprolol , other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• diabetes
• pheochromocytoma

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.