CARVETREND

This medicine contains the active ingredient Carvedilol which is known as beta-blocker. It works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in your heart and the heart is then beating evenly and more slowly. It also relaxes blood vessels which then become wider and allow the heart to easily pump blood. Carvedilol is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure, angina (chest pain caused by narrowed arteries) and heart failure.

Is Carvedilol suitable for me?

Carvedilol is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you

• are allergic (hypersensitive) to Carvedilol or to other ingredients of this medicine
• have a very slow heart rate
• have a heart condition to be treated with a pacemaker
• have heart failure
• have low blood pressure
• have poor circulation
• have liver problems
• have prinzmetal angina (chest pain)
• have a tumor called phaeochromocytoma
• have higher than normal levels of acid in your blood
• have asthma or other breathing problems

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding
• have problems with the way your kidneys work
• have sugar diabetes
• have psoriasis (a skin problem)
• have a history of allergic reactions
• have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness)

Carvedilol interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Carvedilol?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take Carvedilol exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. You will be prescribed your dose according to your needs.

• High blood pressure: the usual starting dose is 12, 5 mg a day as a single dose. The dose is increased to 25 mg after two days, and it is taken as a single daily dose. The maximum dose is 50 mg, taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.

• Angina: the usual starting dose is 12, 5 mg a day as a single dose. The dose is increased to 25 mg after two days, and it is taken as a single daily dose. The maximum dose is 100 mg, divided into two doses.

• Heart failure: the usual starting dose is 12, 5 mg taken twice a day. The dose is increased to 25 mg after two days, and it is taken twice a day. The maximum dose is 100 mg, divided into two doses.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose. Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Carvedilol side effects?

Like all medicines Carvedilol can cause side effects, including:

Very common:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Low blood pressure
• Heart failure

Common:

• Bronchitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection
• urinary tract infections
• Low numbers of red blood cells
• Increase in weight
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Loss of control of blood sugar in people with diabetes
• Depression,
• Visual disturbance
• feeling sick, cold hands and feet,
• diarrhea,
• tiredness, aching and tired muscles,
• stomach pains, heartburn and constipation
• slow heartbeat
• impotence
• anemia

 Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.