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 Teva Diltiazem.
Asthma: Diltiazem may cause asthma symptoms to get worse. If you have asthma, discuss with your doctor how Teva Diltiazem may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Diltiazem, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood pressure: Diltiazem may lower blood pressure too much in certain cases. Symptoms of severe lowering of blood pressure may occur, such as weakness or dizziness, particularly when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position. If you experience lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness, talk to your doctor.
Congestive Heart Failure: If you have congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Teva Diltiazem may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Diltiazem, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: Diltiazem may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Teva Diltiazem.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Teva Diltiazem may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Diltiazem, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rhythm problems: In people with certain types of heart rhythm problems (sick sinus syndrome, second- and third-degree atrio-ventricular block) who do not have pacemakers, diltiazem may cause abnormally slow heart rates. People with certain types of heart rhythm problems should not take diltiazem. If you have a heart rhythm problem, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking diltiazem. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing diltiazem from the body. As a result, Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Teva Diltiazem to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Teva Diltiazem may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Diltiazem, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Teva Diltiazem to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Teva Diltiazem may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Diltiazem, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Teva Diltiazem.
Rarely, diltiazem may cause liver damage. 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.
Pregnancy: Women who are or may become pregnant should not take diltiazem. If you become pregnant while taking Teva Diltiazem, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Diltiazem passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking diltiazem, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of diltiazem for use by children have not been established.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 years may be more at risk of side effects from Teva Diltiazem.
