New blood pressure medication - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

flowergirl2day · 12-20-2007, 09:10 PM

On December 18 2007 the FDA approved a new beta blocker for the treatment of hypertension. The approval was granted to Mylan and Forest Laboratories.
The new drug is called Nebivolol, marketed in the US as Bystolic, and should be available in January 2008.
Nebivolol is a HIGHLY cardioselective beta blocker. As with other beta blockers, it is contraindicated in certain medical conditions. It should not be used with other beta blockers and generally not at all in people with bronchospastic diseases.

The good news:

This beta blocker is not associated with the usual highly undesirable side effects of other beta blockers, including ED. During the clinical trials, patients experienced only headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Not bad!

Nebivolol has been in use in many other countries for some time now. I'll have to find out if it is available here in Canada.

flowergirl

chablis3 · 12-21-2007, 04:47 PM

That's interesting, Flower, let us know what else you find out. I am complaining about the Atenolol I am on because it is causing ringing in my ears, and I don't like it at all. I am not sure I would want to cope with the dizziness, headaches and fatigue with the Nebivlol, but I guess it is like any other drug, some people might not have those side effects. Good info, though...thanks!

Judy

flowergirl2day · 12-21-2007, 05:06 PM

Hi Judy,

I'll try to get more info. I was at the pharmacy today getting most of my meds (a bagfull) and forgot to ask about the above mentioned beta blocker. They were too busy anyway with long lineups. I guess others were doing the same thing I was - making sure they'll have all their meds on hand over the holidays.
Judy I hope you will find the drug that's right for you. I just wanted to mention that ringing in the ears is a problem for some people with GERD and LPR. If you want to find out more, post on the acid reflux board.

Good luck and Happy holidays!
flowergirl

famnd · 12-21-2007, 08:28 PM

Interesting about the ringing in the ears & GERD. Glad I don't get that. The first time I had to take excessive doses of aspirin for root canal pain, I kept thinking someone was ringing bells or something outside. Then I also got ringing from aspirin again when I had to take it for thyroiditis.

The ringing does go away when the drug is stopped. Hopefully, the same thing will happen when you stop atennol. Fam