Calan SR (Verapamil ER)

Do’s

• Take it as prescribed: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage (usually once daily) and timing (morning or every 12 hours).
• Take it with food: Calan SR works best when taken with food.
• Swallow whole or split (if approved): Swallow the tablets whole or split them if your healthcare provider confirms it's safe for the specific product you have. Never crush or chew the tablets.
• Take it consistently: Aim to take Calan SR at the same time(s) each day for maximum effectiveness.
• Continue taking it even if you feel well: High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so keep taking Calan SR as prescribed even if you feel good.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens: If your blood pressure remains high or increases, inform your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Don't adjust your dosage or schedule: Don't take more or less medication than prescribed, or take it at different intervals.
• Don't crush or chew the tablets: This can release all the medication at once, increasing side effects.
• Don't stop taking it abruptly: Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Calan SR, as some conditions can worsen with sudden discontinuation. Your healthcare provider may need to gradually decrease your dosage.

Common side effects:

• Dizziness
• Slow heartbeat
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Abnormal liver function tests

Serious side effects (seek medical attention if experienced):

• Chest pain
• Fast or slow heart rate
• Light-headed feeling or fainting
• Shortness of breath, swelling, or rapid weight gain
• Lung problems, such as wheezing or cough with foamy mucus
• Liver problems, such as loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Severe dizziness
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Calan SR,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies to verapamil or other Calan SR ingredients.

Medical conditions to discuss with your healthcare provider:

• Heart problems: This is especially important if you have certain heart rhythm issues like:
  • Blockages (second or third-degree atrioventricular block)
  • Slow heart rate (sick sinus syndrome, unless you use a pacemaker)
  • Abnormal electrical connections in your heart (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome)
• Other health concerns: Inform your healthcare provider about:
  • Heart failure
  • Muscle/nerve disorders (muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis)
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease

Calan SR may cause dizziness, so avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, machinery) until you feel normal. Limit consumption of both, as they can worsen dizziness with Calan SR.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take before any surgery.

Calan SR should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

While Calan SR passes into breast milk, it likely won't harm your baby. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding to understand the potential risks and benefits for you and your infant.

Be aware that you may be more sensitive to side effects like constipation or ankle/foot swelling.