Palpitations following Bisoprolol drug trial

[Granny67]

Hi, I’m new here. I’ve just completed a clinical trial for COPD using a placebo/ Bisoprolol which lasted a year. I’ve gone from 5mgs/day reducing over a month to finish 2 days ago. Yesterday and today have had really bad palpitations, should I be worried as I’ve not had any problems for years, I did have sinus tachycardia which didn’t require any treatment and I’ve been ok since up until now.

Im sure I was on Bisoprolol as my pulse rate has been lower than ever before 60-76 compared to what it is now, back to 96-104 at rest.

[Hidden]

Hi Granny67

Have you got any other side effects from placebo/bisoprolol. If you were on 5mgs of Bisoprolol and only had a month weaning off it could be rebound effect which could last for a few weeks. Have you any more effects from discontinuing. I am reducing from 2.5mgs but the withdrawal for myself has been terrible so I am reducing very very slowly.

I would speak to whoever put you on the trial to see if you can find out if you were actually taking Bisoprolol and if you were inform them of the effects you are having now.

[gcdonaldson]

I would contact the study team. They will have given you contact details and you can telephone them at any time - day or night. Drug trials normally have a 28 day follow-up after the study stops to detect adverse events after withdrawal of the study drug. They have a duty of care but will also want to help. After a year long study - they will know you well.

Bisoprolol slows the heart and is used to treat atrial fibrillation. It might be this you are noticing since it has been withdrawn. Many people live with atrial fibrillation

The clinical trials team should also have plans with respect to continuity with NHS care. They should contact your GP, and make recommendation as to how you should be looked after.

There will also be plans for emergency unblinding to let you know whether you were on bisoprolol or placebo. The system will be online - so in an emergency - and A/E doctor can be told the drugs the patient is or has been recieving. Though this might not be necessary.

As you might have guessed, my work involves clinical trials and by chance in the COPD field. Clinical trial participants will also recieve the greatest of care. Even, if it is than longer than 28 days, contact them.