My Healthy Heart Blogs
FDA Approves First Generic Versions of Coreg
09/06/07
Treatment Options, General
Adapted from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration news release.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Coreg (carvedilol) Wednesday.
Coreg is a widely used medication that is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, mild to severe chronic heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack. It is a beta-blocker, meaning it relaxes blood vessels which slows down the heart and reduces the amount of blood pumping out of it. That decreases blood pressure and helps the heart function more efficiently.
"The agency's Office of Generic Drugs ensures that generic drugs are safe and effective through a rigorous scientific and regulatory process," said Gary J. Buehler, director, FDA's Office of Generic Drugs in a news release. "Generic drugs, which use the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and work the same way, offer alternatives to Americans in choosing their prescription drugs."
Carvedilol tablets in four strengths (3.125 milligrams, 6.25 milligrams, 12.5 milligrams and 25 milligrams) are manufactured by multiple generic drug companies. As with all drugs, there are certain side effects associated with carvedilol, including
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Light-headedness
- Numbness, tingling in hands or feet
- Dry eyes
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting
- Weakness
This treatment may not be suitable for some people, and others may need to take special precautions. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, diabetics, the elderly, people taking other prescription medications, and children younger than 18 should check with their doctors to decide whether carvedilol is right for them.
