Coreg

Why should Coreg not be prescribed?

Avoid Coreg if you have asthma, certain serious heart conditions, or liver disease. Do not take the drug if it causes an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Coreg

Coreg sometimes aggravates chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you have either condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. You'll need to use the drug cautiously. Report any weight gain or shortness of breath to your doctor immediately.

Liver damage is a rare side effect of the drug. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop these signs of liver disorder: appetite loss, dark urine, flu-like symptoms, itching, pain in your side, or yellowing of the skin. You will need to be switched from Coreg.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes or low blood sugar. Coreg can interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes drugs and can cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar regularly, and report any changes to your doctor.

A few people starting Coreg therapy for heart failure suffer dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting within an hour after taking each dose. The problem is most likely to occur during the first 30 days of treatment, and especially after a dosage increase. If Coreg has this effect on you, avoid driving or hazardous tasks for the hour following each dose.

When Coreg is taken for heart failure, there is also a slight chance that it will interfere with the kidneys. If this reaction seems likely, the doctor will monitor your kidney function and, if necessary, change your dosage--or take you off the drug. Your heart failure may continue to get worse during the first 3 months of treatment, possibly requiring a temporary reduction in the dose of Coreg. After that, Coreg's benefits should begin to appear.

If you have circulation problems in the arms and legs, Coreg may aggravate your symptoms. Use it with care and report any changes to your doctor.

Under no circumstances should you abruptly stop taking this drug on your own. Notify the doctor if you miss even a few doses of Coreg. Your symptoms could return with a vengeance; and if you have an overactive thyroid, those symptoms could be aggravated as well. If needed, the doctor will taper you off the drug gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. During this time you should keep your physical activity to a minimum. If your angina worsens or heart problems occur, notify your doctor immediately; you may need to begin taking Coreg again, at least temporarily.