Tenormin and our health.

Tenormin: uses

Tenormin is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain ( angina ) and high blood pressure. It's also used after an acute heart attack to improve survival. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Tenormin works by blocking action of certain natural chemicals in your body such as epinephrine on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a lowering of heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on heart.

Tenormin: how to use

Take Tenormin by mouth, usually once daily; or as directed by your doctor. Use Tenormin regularly in order to get most benefit from it. To help we remember, use it at same time each day.

Tenormin isn't effective if you use it only when chest pain or a migraine headache occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent these conditions.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take one or two weeks before full benefit of Tenormin takes effect. It is important to continue taking Tenormin even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Don't suddenly stop taking Tenormin without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Refer to Warning section.

Tenormin: other used

This section contains uses of Tenormin that aren't listed in the approved professional labeling for drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Tenormin for a condition that's listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Tenormin may also be used for irregular heartbeats, heart failure, migraine headache prevention, tremors and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Tenormin: side effects

You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, unusual dreams, leg pain, or vision problems as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tenormin may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Tenormin because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Tenormin don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

In the unlikely event we have an allergic reaction to Tenormin, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Tenormin: precautions

Before taking Tenormin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers ( e. g. , metoprolol, propranolol ) ; or if we have any other allergies.

Tenormin shouldn't be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

Before using Tenormin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that we are taking Tenormin.

If we have diabetes, Tenormin may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat we would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low ( hypoglycemia ) . Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level such as dizziness or sweating are unaffected by Tenormin.

Tenormin may make we dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Tenormin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks ( e. g. , low birth weight ) and benefits with your doctor.

Tenormin passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Tenormin: interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Don't start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using Tenormin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products we may use, especially of:

Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products, diet aids ) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Tenormin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Shipping options for Tenormin

Savings Help The Medicine Go Down

A new study of state-subsidized pharmacy assistance programs showed that providing prescription drug coverage for low-income seniors reduces Medicaid and Medicare costs. Moreover, needy seniors enrolled in programs were able to cut their dose skimping and nursing home admissions in half, according to Brandeis University research.

In 2002, Illinois and Wisconsin implemented state pharmacy assistance programs with joint federal funding. Senior citizens with incomes below 200 percent of federal poverty level, but not eligible for Medicaid, could join. The Brandeis study evaluated whether these " SeniorCare " programs increased access to prescription drugs and reduced Medicaid enrollment, said lead author Donald Shepard, a health economist at Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis.

The study matched 7, 699 Illinois and 1, 798 Wisconsin so called " buy-in " beneficiaries to similar Ohio controls because states share many similarities. Since Illinois already had a different prescription program in place its SeniorCare program didn't reduce the number of seniors enrolling in Medicaid, but it did reduce how many were admitted to nursing homes and how much enrollees spent on drugs.

For example, in the first year of Illinois program, nursing home entry was 2. 4 percent, compared to 4. 4 percent for Ohio controls. Likewise, Medicaid spending averaged $631 over Illinois SeniorCare members, versus $1, 605 for Ohio controls, a savings of 61 percent. The study showed that these savings fell slightly short of state's first-year program costs of $1, 394 per enrollee.

In Wisconsin, SeniorCare members joined Medicaid at half rate of the Ohio controls, and had half the rate of nursing home entry. Medicaid spending per enrollee was 81 percent lower than in Ohio. Finally, in Wisconsin, savings exceeded state's first-year costs per enrollee of $1, 032.

" Our study demonstrates real value of easily understood drug assistance programs for vulnerable seniors, " said Shepard. " Needy elders in both states benefited from outreach, public subsidies and straightforward design. Medicare Part D plans with similar features might well reduce nursing home admissions and achieve Medicaid savings nationally. "

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Source: Laura Gardner Brandeis University

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