Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Carvedilol.
Circulation problems: Apo Carvedilol can cause blood vessels in the extremities to become narrowed. The smaller blood vessels may narrow enough that blood cannot flow through easily, causing discoloration and numbness in the areas beyond where the blood vessel closes off. If you notice coldness, waxiness, or numbness in the fingers and toes, with or without pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Carvedilol may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as shakiness or rapid heart beat. It can also cause the blood sugar to drop, making it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. If you have diabetes or low blood sugar, discuss with your doctor how Apo Carvedilol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Carvedilol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dizziness/fainting: Dizziness and fainting are side effects of carvedilol and may occur after first starting Apo Carvedilol. Do not drive a car or do anything that requires alertness until you know how Apo Carvedilol affects you.
Heart failure: Beta-blockers like carvedilol can worsen existing heart failure. It is important to take carvedilol exactly as prescribed by your doctor to decrease the chance of this happening.
Kidney function: Rarely, carvedilol can cause decreased kidney function and kidney failure. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Apo Carvedilol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Apo Carvedilol to build up in the body, causing side effects. It may also cause decreased liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Carvedilol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Carvedilol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking Apo Carvedilol. This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. To reduce the risk of dizziness, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.
Prinzmetal's Angina: Carvedilol may increase the number and duration of angina attacks in patients with Prinzmetal's angina. People who have this condition should be cautious while taking carvedilol.
Primary regurgitative valvular heart disease: The safety and effectiveness of carvedilol have not been well studied for use by people with this condition. People who have this condition should be cautious while taking carvedilol.
Severe allergies: People with allergies severe enough to cause Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe) should talk to their doctor about what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Carvedilol may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with Epinephrine.
Stopping the medication: People with heart disease who stop taking Apo Carvedilol abruptly may experience severe effects, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or Heart Attack. If you have heart disease, do not stop taking Apo Carvedilol without checking with your doctor first. When this medication needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually under supervision of your doctor.
Surgery: Apo Carvedilol interferes with how certain medications used during surgery work in the body. If you are scheduled for surgery, make sure that everyone involved in your care knows about all the medications you use.
Thyroid: Carvedilol can mask the symptoms of too much thyroid hormone in the body, such as a rapid heartbeat or tremor. If you have a thyroid condition, discuss with your doctor how Apo Carvedilol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Carvedilol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Carvedilol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Apo Carvedilol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Carvedilol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience side effects from this medication.
