BISOPROLOL

[DERLIN]

Hi everyone, I have been having a debate with my pharmacist regarding Bisoprolol.

Certain manufacturers, like Sandoz and Bayer have the active ingredient Bisoprolol Fumarate. However, the one that suits me is produced by Merck (is called Cardicor), and has the active ingredient Bisoprolol Hemifumarate. The molecular formula and molecular weight of these brands is quite different, which might explain why some people find Bisoprolol okay, whilst others don't. Some pharmacists and GPs do not appear to be aware of the differences. But Cardicor is much more expensive than other grades of Bisoprolol. Therefore if you want Cardicor, you need to request your GP puts it on the prescription. Otherwise the pharmacist will give you the cheapest version of Bisoprolol

[BobD Volunteer]

Interesting.Thank you I 'm sure users will be pleased to know that.

[Finvola]

Useful info - thank you for sharing.

[Hidden]

Thank you for posting this . Very interesting to know

[Torchie]

Figures. I have only been on bisoprolol fumerate. It seems both GP and Pharmacist have budgets to meet so my medication often changes. Not that I've noticed any ill-effects.

[Jenbo6]

I have the same issue with Flecanide - only one brand seems to work.

[falah12345]

Hi Derlin

Totally agree with you my husband is exactly the same responding to Cardicor/Concor brands but not to the others

as you said Cardiologist EP s ans phamacists dont seem to be aware of the difference !!

all the best

Maya

[terryw]

Hi Derlin. For a number of years I have had my GP put Tambocor rather than Flecainide on my prescriptions for the same reasons. TerryW

[Zezee in reply to terryw]

Hi was wondering are you T ...friend of M p/borough C here all the best

[terryw in reply to Zezee]

Hi Zezee. No I am T of Ampthill for 5 years, and previously a lot nearer the sea than here in Essex! However i am always happy to make new friends! TerryW

[inezelsie]

I'm glad to know that there may be a better 'version' of bisopropolol. I can't take it - at all. It makes me short of breath after taking only a half, and the breathing problems last for two days. I've tried 5 times to start it again and had the same result. It also makes me nauseous and have no energy. I'll have to ask about the hemifumarate option. Thanks for sharing this info.

[seasider18]

People have similar problems with different makers of Losartan. I used to take Securon a modified release version of Verapamil. If I did not get the named one the generic versions seldom suited me. Much of the time it is the different bulking agents that cause the problems.

When I contacted MHRA they would only say that each version contained the correct amount of the drug.