CONGESCOR

Congescor tablets 2.5mg Why do I need this medicine? Bisoprolol helps to keep your blood pressure under control. It may also be used to treat heart diseases
such as angina pectoris (chest pain) and heart failure.

How do I take this medicine? Take Bisoprolol exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Bisoprolol must be taken regularly for it to work well. Continue taking Bisoprolol even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.

Bisoprolol may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to take your medicine regularly. Bisoprolol must be taken exactly as directed for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. Can I take this with other medicines? Alert your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- other medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease, especially clonidine, prazosin
- migraine medicines such as ergotamine
- rifampicin (a TB medicine)

Do not take antacids together with Bisoprolol. Antacids may affect the effectiveness of Bisoprolol. If you must take antacids, take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Bisoprolol.

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Bisoprolol may not be suitable for certain heart conditions. Alert your doctor if you suffer from any heart conditions. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have kidney, liver or thyroid disease, asthma, diabetes, any disease that affects your blood vessels or blood circulation as well as other illnesses such as myasthenia gravis and phaeochromocytoma. You should also inform your doctor if you are seeing a psychiatrist.

Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Bisoprolol.

You may feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Bisoprolol for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to the medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

If you also have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar more closely.

If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, always inform your doctor, surgeon or dentist that you are taking Bisoprolol.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?

Regular exercise will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Regular exercise will also help you to maintain a healthy weight and this is important in helping you control your blood pressure.

If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.

Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.

BISOPROLOL

What side effects could I experience? Bisoprolol may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Bisoprolol may also cause tiredness, diarrhoea, nausea, difficulty sleeping, numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes. Alert your doctor if these side effects are severe or refuse to go away.

Other side effects are less common but may need medical attention. Alert your doctor if you experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, abnormally slow heart rate or rashes.