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 Riva Verapamil Sr.
Heart failure: Verapamil works partially by reducing the force of the heart’s contractions which can cause the symptoms of heart failure to become worse. If you have heart failure that is not well-corrected, discuss with your doctor how Riva Verapamil Sr 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.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Riva Verapamil Sr to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Riva Verapamil Sr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Verapamil Sr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Riva Verapamil Sr to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Riva Verapamil Sr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Verapamil Sr, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Riva Verapamil Sr.
Verapamil may also reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. 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 and heart rate: Low blood pressure symptoms of tiredness and weakness with faintness have been reported following single doses and even after some months of treatment with verapamil. Some people may require a reduced dose. Verapamil can cause very low heart rate for some people. Report an abnormally low heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute) or persistent fatigue to your doctor.
Neuromuscular disease: If you have a neuromuscular disease such as Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, discuss with your doctor how Riva Verapamil Sr 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.
Pregnancy: Verapamil reaches the developing baby if it is taken during pregnancy. Riva Verapamil Sr should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Riva Verapamil Sr, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Riva Verapamil Sr passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking verapamil, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Riva Verapamil Sr have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may have a higher risk of side effects with Riva Verapamil Sr. Your doctor may recommend lower doses to reduce this risk.
