Generic Name: CARVEDILOL - ORAL
Pronounced: (car-VEDD-ih-lol)

Coreg Oral Warning

Do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped, especially if you have chest pain (angina) or heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure). If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.

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: worsening chest pain, tightness/pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Coreg Oral Side Effects

See also Warning and Precautions sections.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, diarrhea, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. The risk of dizziness is highest within 1 hour after you take your dose. Dizziness is most common when you first start using this drug or any time your doctor increases your dose.

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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• very slow heartbeat
• severe dizziness
• fainting
• unusual weakness
• new or increased shortness of breath
• sudden weight gain
• swelling hands/ankles/feet
• increased thirst/urination
• numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
• bluish fingers/toes

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• change in the amount of urine
• easy bruising/bleeding
• mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, nervousness)
• seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/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, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Coreg Oral Precautions

Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have had a serious reaction to other beta blockers (e.g., propranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• asthma
• certain types of heart rhythm problems (sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block)
• severe heart failure

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

• liver disease
• serious reaction/allergy needing treatment with epinephrine
• other breathing problems (e.g., bronchitis, emphysema)
• other heart problems (e.g., Prinzmetal's variant angina)
• diabetes
• overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
• kidney disease
• blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease)
• a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma)
• mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression)
• a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause you to faint. This is most likely to occur within 1 hour after taking your dose or any time your doctor increases your dose. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

If you have diabetes, this product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug. This product also may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst, hunger, and urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.

Caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness and lightheadedness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Coreg Oral Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.