Beta Blockers for PVC/PAC's - brand names, options, etc...... - Heart Disorders Message Board

zosolizard · 11-29-2006, 07:40 AM

I have gotten the verdict that my PAC's & PVC's are benign. That's great!! However, they are just too disruptive to my life, and I want to try to suppress them, if I can.

I've cut out caffiene, sugar, alcohol, added calcium, magnesium - you name it. No change whatsoever. So - I'm ready to try drugs.

My cardiologists nurse said "we only work with Toprol XL". Okay... that seems a bit closed minded. That is usually a bit of a red flag to me when a doctors office will only prescribe one brand name med. Cha-ching$$$$$ ????

I haven't tried the Toprol yet, but I do have a sample from them.

I've heard that some folks try a few different beta blockers before finding one that helps them out and/or one that produces less side effects.

Shouldn't my doctor be open to working with me a bit more with the meds ??

Is there any info out there to indicate that one beta blocker proves more helpful than another with suppressing PAC's & PVC's ??

Thanks for any help you can provide, I greatly appreciate it!

chad341 · 11-29-2006, 03:35 PM

i was on toprol xl for a while it works ok, then they caned it to betapace very costly but now they have a genirc form sotalol this better than the toprol for me im 33 pvcs started at 18,its hell to live with i no

zosolizard · 11-29-2006, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chad341

i was on toprol xl for a while it works ok, then they caned it to betapace very costly but now they have a genirc form sotalol this better than the toprol for me im 33 pvcs started at 18,its hell to live with i no

Hey chad, I hear you, it is total hell to live with!! It sounds like you've found something to help you out, so that's great news.
I saw my GP today & he said I can try generic atenolol (only $5 a month!) and it will be comparable to Toprol. Hopefully it helps. Take care!

Lenin · 11-30-2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

My cardiologists nurse said "we only work with Toprol XL". Okay... that seems a bit closed minded.

Oh NO, Not AGAIN,
It seems every post I am reading is saying the same thing about doctors behaving as if there is only ONE beta blocker and unfrotunately it is not generic, so it costs a LOT more.

If a cardiologist or his nurse says "we only work with Toprol", the appropriate response is "Thanks for letting me know because I only work with doctors who avoid bribes."
I would run away from such a cardiologist as fast as my coronary arteries could carry me, because he is probably locked into ONLY one procedure using ONLY a certain catheter and stents made by ONLY one manufacturer. If we wanted treatment like that we could get it from a robot.

Doctors taking bribes should be treated the same way that politicians (the few who are CAUGHT) are treated: Jail time!

I am also seeing a lot of "We only work with Norvasc." And "Everybody needs LOTS of Plavix!"

Notice it's never pushing a prescription for generic hydrochlorothiazide!

burpee · 12-02-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

If a cardiologist or his nurse says "we only work with Toprol", the appropriate response is "Thanks for letting me know because I only work with doctors who avoid bribes." I would run away from such a cardiologist as fast as my coronary arteries could carry me, because he is probably locked into ONLY one procedure using ONLY a certain catheter and stents made by ONLY one manufacturer. If we wanted treatment like that we could get it from a robot.

That's pretty pointed advice. Unfortunately, it may very well be accurate. However, as a patient, you have a right to demand a generic alternative to a prescription. If your doctor refuses, you can ask for an explanation. If it's unacceptable seek treatment elsewhere.