Has your doctor prescribed Ivabradine to you or someone in your family? You may have many questions about this medicine, which is used to treat conditions such as heart failure. You may have also been prescribed it under the name Corlanor. They are both the same medicine. Don't worry, today we will talk simply about this medicine, what it does, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What really happens with this Ivabradine drug?
Simply put, Ivabradine is a medicine given to people with heart failure. Think of your heart as a motor that pumps water to your home. Sometimes this motor can get a little tired and not work as efficiently. We call this heart failure. It means that the heart becomes weak and cannot pump enough blood to the body.
Here's what Ivabradine does: It slows your heart rate down a bit. When your heart rate slows down, it reduces the unnecessary strain on your heart. This allows your heart to do its job more efficiently, without having to work as hard. This is like telling a runner to take a breather and then go.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This is very important. Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Other heart rhythm disorders: If you have other heart rhythm disorders such as ``sick sinus syndrome'', ``sinoatrial block'', or ``atrioventricular block''.
- If your heart failure has recently worsened: If your heart failure has recently worsened.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver related condition.
- Low blood pressure: If your blood pressure is lower than normal.
- Low resting heart rate: If your heart rate is very low even when you are just standing still (low resting heart rate).
- If you have a pacemaker: If you use a pacemaker to control your heart rate.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Ivabradine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: This is very important . If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding a child.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.
- Take with food: This medication is usually recommended to be taken with a meal.
- Measure accurately: Since this medicine comes as an oral solution, use the special oral syringe, cup, or spoon provided by your doctor or pharmacy to measure it. Do not measure with household teaspoons or tablespoons. These are not accurate.
- Avoid Grapefruit: Do not drink grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals.
- Don't stop suddenly: Never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor. Doing so may worsen your condition.
- If given to children: This medicine can also be given to children over 6 months of age in some special cases. However, a pediatrician will decide on this. So talk to your doctor about that too.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, don't worry. Skip it altogether. Take the next dose at your regular time. Don't take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you are taking may interact with Ivabradine, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Ivabradine | |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin , Telithromycin |
| Antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | (Tell the doctor what medication you are taking) |
| Antifungals | Ketoconazole , Itraconazole |
| Other medications | Nefazodone , Ribociclib |
| Drugs to be careful with when taking with Ivabradine | |
| Other medications for blood pressure and heart disease | (Inform your doctor) |
| Seizure medication | Phenobarbital , Phenytoin |
| Other medications | Rifampin , St. John's Wort (a herbal medicine) |
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Dangerous changes in heart rate: chest pain, severe dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, fainting. | Seek medical advice immediately or go to the ETU. |
| High Blood Pressure | Inform your doctor. |
| Abnormally low heart rate: extreme fatigue, dizziness. | Inform your doctor. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Vision changes: Some people may experience slight changes in vision, such as sudden changes in light or visual brightness. This usually subsides as the medication wears off. However, be careful when driving, especially at night. | If it persists, talk to your doctor. |
Why should you be especially careful with this medicine during pregnancy?
This is something that needs to be reminded again.
If you become pregnant or try to become pregnant while taking Ivabradine, it may cause serious birth defects in your unborn baby.
Therefore, if you are expecting a baby, tell your doctor before prescribing the medication. If you suspect that you are pregnant while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Ivabradine is a medicine used to control heart rate for heart failure.
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, in the prescribed dosage, with food. Do not measure with household spoons.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose.
- Avoid stopping medication for any reason without consulting your doctor.
- If you experience changes in vision, extreme dizziness, or changes in your chest rhythm, inform your doctor.
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