Bivol (other name Bystolic)

Drug Name

Bystolic (Nebivolol) 

Drug Uses

Bystolic is used for treating high blood pressure. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. 

How to use

Use Bystolic as directed by your doctor. 
Take Bystolic by mouth with or without food.
Take Bystolic on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Bystolic at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Bystolic even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Do not suddenly stop taking Bystolic without first talking with your doctor. You may have an increased risk of side effects (e.g., chest pain, irregular heartbeat). If you need to stop Bystolic or add a new medicine, your doctor may need to gradually lower your dose.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Bystolic.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Bystolic is a beta-blocker. It works by slowing down the heart and decreasing the amount of blood it pumps out. This helps to decrease blood pressure, helps the heart pump more efficiently, and reduces the workload on the heart. 

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Bystolic and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. 
Storage

Store Bystolic at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Bystolic out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Bystolic if: 
you are allergic to any ingredient in Bystolic;
you have moderate to severe heart block, uncontrolled heart failure, shock caused by serious heart problems, very slow heartbeat, or very low blood pressure after a heart attack;
you have asthma or Raynaud syndrome;
you have severe liver problems;
the patient is a child with diabetes or heart failure;
you are taking mibefradil.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

Bystolic may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or vision changes. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Bystolic with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Bystolic ; it may increase the risk of Bystolic 's side effects.
Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Bystolic before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using Bystolic.
Bystolic may lower your blood sugar levels. This is most likely to happen in infants and children, or in patients who have diabetes or kidney problems. It may also occur after prolonged physical activity or during fasting. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you hungrier. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens.
Diabetes patients - Bystolic may hide signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs of low blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Bystolic may interfere with certain lab tests, including the glaucoma screening test and dobutamine stress echocardiography. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Bystolic.
Lab tests, including blood pressure, heart function, kidney function, and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use Bystolic. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Bystolic with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Bystolic should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Bystolic while you are pregnant. It is not known if Bystolic is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Bystolic.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: 
dizziness; fatigue; headache; nausea; stomach pain; trouble sleeping.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or tightness; fainting; mental or mood changes; numbness or tingling of the hands; persistent or severe vision changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe dizziness; shortness of breath or wheezing; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusually slow or irregular heartbeat; very cold or blue fingers or toes.

More Information

Bystolic is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.