Bystolic

The active ingredient in Bystolic is nebivolol. Nebivolol belongs to a drug class known as beta blockers. These drugs work by blocking the effects of epinephrine, a hormone also known as adrenaline. Normally, this hormone acts on beta receptors in blood vessels to increase blood pressure. By blocking the actions of this hormone, beta-blockers slow down the heart and widen blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. Although it is indicated for hypertension, Bystolic may also help with other conditions such as angina, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Bystolic. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Bystolic:

• Bystolic is typically taken once a day. The dose of nebivolol may need to be gradually increased over time depending on your blood pressure. It can be taken with or without food.
• It is important that you do not stop taking Bystolic without consulting your healthcare provider first. Stopping it suddenly may lead to chest pain, heart attack, or dangerous heart rhythms if you have heart disease. If it needs to be stopped, your healthcare provider can provide you with further information on how to slowly wean off the medication.
• If you are using medications for diabetes in addition to Bystolic, it may be more difficult to identify the typical signs and symptoms of low blood sugar.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Bystolic seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Bystolic. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Slow heartbeat or pulse.
• Signs of worsening heart failure such as shortness of breath, trouble breathing, weight gain, and swelling of the legs and feet.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Bystolic. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Bystolic, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema
• Peripheral vascular disease or poor blood flow in your feet and legs
• Diabetes (Bystolic can mask the typical symptoms of hypoglycemia that can occur as a side effect of your diabetic medications)
• Thyroid problems (Bystolic can mask the symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as a fast heart rate)
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Pheochromocytoma
• An upcoming surgery where anesthetics will be used for sedation

Do not use Bystolic if you have:

• Severe bradycardia or a slow heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• A heart block greater than first-degree
• Cardiogenic shock
• Decompensated heart failure
• Sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker)
• Severe liver or hepatic impairment
• A past allergic reaction to nebivolol or any other ingredients in Bystolic (colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red #27 Lake, FD&C Blue #2 Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, polysorbate 80, and sodium lauryl sulfate).

The effects of nebivolol can be seen in about 1-4 hours after taking which is when it typically reaches peak levels in the body. However, it can take 2 to 8 weeks to see its full effects.

When Bystolic is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Reserpine
• Clonidine
• Beta-blockers like propranolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, etc.
• Cardiac glycosides like digoxin
• Calcium channel blockers like verapamil and diltiazem
• Fluoxetine
• Paroxetine
• Cimetidine
• Sildenafil
• Quinidine
• Propafenone
• Other drug interactions involving inhibitors of the enzyme that breaks down nebivolol

Bystolic is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• 2.5 mg tablets
• 5 mg tablets
• 10 mg tablets
• 20 mg tablets

Bystolic should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat and out of reach of children.

Bystolic is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Allergan.

Yes, there is a generic of the brand name Bystolic available.

Do not suddenly stop taking or change how you are taking Bystolic. Abruptly stopping can cause chest pain and lead to a heart attack. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Bystolic.

It is unknown if Bystolic is safe in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Bystolic passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.