Before you begin taking 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 take Sandoz Bisoprolol.
Breathing problems: Although bisoprolol works mainly in the heart, it may have some effect on the lungs. Particularly at higher doses, bisoprolol can make symptoms of Asthma and certain other breathing problems worse. If you have asthma, other breathing problems, or a history of breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Bisoprolol 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.
Hyperthyroidism: Bisprolol may mask the signs of Thyroid overactivity. If it is stopped suddenly, it may cause a worsening of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Do not stop the medication on your own. Instead, talk to your doctor about how to safely stop the medication by gradually reducing the dose over time..
Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking bisoprolol. Bisoprolol may also decrease the release of insulin, reducing the effectiveness of certain medications for diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that affect blood glucose levels, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. It may be necessary to monitor your blood glucose levels more often when you are taking Sandoz Bisoprolol.
Heart failure: Taking Sandoz Bisoprolol if you have heart problems may cause the symptoms of heart disease to worsen. If you have heart failure or a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Sandoz Bisoprolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Sandoz Bisoprolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Sandoz Bisoprolol.
Occupational hazards: Bisoprolol may cause drowsiness and lightheadedness. Avoid anything that requires you to be awake and alert until you know how the medication affects you.
Peripheral vascular disease: Bisoprolol may worsen the symptoms of diseases of the blood vessels, such as Raynaud's disease. If you have a condition involving the blood vessels, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Bisoprolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Bisoprolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping medication: The dose of bisoprolol should be gradually reduced, rather than stopped suddenly. There have been reports of severe worsening of Angina and of Heart Attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring for people with angina pectoris who have stopped Sandoz Bisoprolol without gradually reducing the dose. Discuss the risks and benefits of stopping bisoprolol with your doctor.
Surgery: Before surgery (including dental surgery), tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking bisoprolol. If it is planned surgery and it is necessary to stop taking bisoprolol before the surgery, it should be done gradually to reduce the risk of chest pain and increased blood pressure.
Pregnancy: Sandoz Bisoprolol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Bisoprolol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if bisoprolol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sandoz Bisoprolol, 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.
