What is this medication for?

Ivabradine can be used in the following heart conditions:

• To prevent and treat symptoms of angina (chest pain)
• To treat heart failure whereby the heart is weak and unable to pump enough blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

Ivabradine works by slowing down your heart rate to reduce your heart’s oxygen need. By doing so, your heart will require less oxygen and do less work to pump blood more effectively around your body.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medication should be taken with or after food.
• This medication is usually started at a lower dose and your doctor may increase the dose depending on your response.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have low blood pressure, slow or abnormal heart rhythm.
• You have liver or kidney problems.
• You have a defibrillator or pacemaker.

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Low or high blood pressure

• Changes in vision – temporary enhanced brightness in vision, blurred vision

  • Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected as sudden changes in light intensity may occur especially at night

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

Ivabradine may slow down heartbeat, or cause new irregular heartbeats. Symptoms include one or more of the following:

• Breathlessness or persistently tired
• Severe dizziness or fainting spells

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Some medications may interact with ivabradine and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Specific medications for heart conditions (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil)
• Medications that may potentially affect your heart rhythm (known as QT prolongation) (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, disopyramide)
• Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• Medications for viral infections (e.g. ritonavir)

Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?