Corlanor

The active ingredient in Corlanor is ivabradine. Ivabradine is an HCN channel blocker that works by blocking specific channels within your body's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node. This helps slow down an elevated heart rate and helps your heart pump blood throughout your body more easily.

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 Corlanor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Corlanor:

• Typically, Corlanor is taken by mouth twice a day with food. Depending on the tolerability of Corlanor and how your heart rate responds, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose. In adults, prescribers may choose to target a normal heart rate of 50-60 beats per minute (BPM).
• Do not take Corlanor with grapefruit juice.
• If you have trouble swallowing tablets, there is an oral solution available for use.
• Use exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.
• Corlanor can cause worsening of congestive heart failure and close attention should be paid to relevant symptoms such as swelling of legs or feet and shortness of breath. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
• If you miss a dose, do not take it. Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule at the following time.

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

• Slower heart rate
• Higher blood pressure
• Luminous phenomena (temporary bright or flashing spots or halos around lights)

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

• Signs of atrial fibrillation such as a fluttering sensation in the chest, heart palpitations, racing heart, shortness of breath, and feelings of fainting.
• Signs of bradycardia or a very slow heart rate such as feeling faint, dizzy, fatigued, difficulty breathing, or blue tinge to the skin. Young children may also show difficulty with feeding.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Corlanor. 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 Corlanor, 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:

• Any cardiovascular (heart) problems or dysfunction, including sinus rhythm or other rhythm issues, conduction defects, or a slow heart rate
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Do not use Corlanor if you have:

• Symptoms of worsening heart failure
• Very low blood pressure
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Heart block (sinoatrial block, AV block)
• Bradycardia or a slow resting heart rate
• Hepatic impairment or liver problems
• Pacemaker dependence (heart rate maintained exclusively by the pacemaker)
• Medications that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

Corlanor takes about 1-2 hours to reach peak levels in the body which is when you can expect the effects of ivabradine. However, everyone is different and some may see benefits earlier or later.

When Corlanor 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 to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Clarithromycin
• Nelfinavir
• Nefazodone
• Diltiazem
• Verapamil
• St. John’s Wort
• Rifampicin
• Barbiturates
• Phenytoin
• Digoxin
• Amiodarone
• Beta-blockers like bisoprolol

Corlanor tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg

Corlanor oral solution is available in the following strengths:

• 5 mg/5 mL

Corlanor should be stored at room temperature away from light and out of reach of children. The solution should be kept in its original packaging until use.

Corlanor is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Amgen Inc.

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

Corlanor is typically a long-term medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Corlanor. Stopping this medication abruptly may cause your heart failure to get worse, which could lead to hospitalization or death.

Corlanor can cause harm to your unborn child. You should use an effective form of birth control while on this medication to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Corlanor.

It is unknown if Corlanor can pass into the breast milk and it is generally recommended to avoid use during breastfeeding. 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.