Uses

This medication is used to treat heart failure. It is used by adults to help prevent the heart failure from getting worse and needing treatment in a hospital. It is also used by children who have heart failure due to an enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy). Heart failure is a condition where your heart does not pump blood as well as it should. Ivabradine works by making your heart beat more slowly.

Side Effects

Dizziness or tiredness may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Ivabradine may rarely cause vision changes such as brief increased brightness, or seeing halos or colored bright lights. Sudden changes in light brightness may set off this effect. If vision changes happen, they usually start within the first 2 months and may go away during treatment or after stopping this medication.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking ivabradine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, liver problems, other heart problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, heart block, slow/irregular heartbeat, pacemaker use).

This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Be especially careful when driving at night because sudden changes in light brightness can happen, which may set off vision changes (see also Side Effects section). Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.