(NAPSA)—Wisdom is often collected in short, easy-to-remember sayings. Here is one from the Yoruba people living in southwestern Nigeria: Medicine left in the container can’t help. If you’re one of the millions of Americans taking a medicine called a beta-blocker for high blood pressure, this saying should be especially meaningful to you. Betablockers are a family of medicines that lower the heart rate, lower elevated blood pressure and lessen the heart’s workload. For these medicines to be effective, it is very important that they are taken regularly and without interruption, as prescribed by the doctor. For people whose doctors have prescribed a beta-blocker called ToOPROL-XL or its generic formulation, metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets, there’s good news. AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of ToPROL-XL and its generic equivalent, has recently announcedit has restored supplies of ToproL-XL and metoprolol succinate to address a shortage in the market following recalls or suspensions by two generic compa- nies. AstraZeneca manufactures The prescribing information for both ToproL-XL and metoprolol succinate, like other medicines in Beta-blocker medicines should be taken regularly and without inter- ruption as prescribed by the doctor. generic metoprolol succinate for Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc. Toprot-XL or metoprolol succinate is taken by millions of Americans as part of their treatment for high blood pressure. “We increased our production of ToproL-XL and metoprolol succinate to help fill the void created by the recalls or suspensions of the metoprolol succinate products manufactured by two generic competitors,” said Kathy Monday, a vice president at AstraZeneca. “We wanted to do what we could to help patients stay on course with their treatment.” this class, warns against abrupt cessation of therapy with betablocking agents. Stopping your beta-blocker medicine or missing many doses could result in serious side effects such as chest pain or a heart attack. There are alternatives to TopROL-XL and metoprolol succinate available, but people taking beta-blocker medicines should not switch medicines without their doctor’s advice. It is always critical for patients to talk to their doctors about what medication is best for them. Finally, while taking beta-blockers, as with most medications, it is important to continue to follow your doctor’s recommendations, which may include a healthy diet and exercise program. So the Yoruba were definitely on to something. Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Medicine left in the container can’t help. And never stop taking your beta-blocker medicine without talking with your doctor. Important safety information you should know about Topro.-XL (metoprolol succinate) extended-release tablets. ToPROL-XL is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It’s good for you to know more about your medical condition and the medicine you are takingfor it. So talk to your doctor about high blood pressure and ToPpROL-XL. Because of the possibility of serious side effects, such as chest pain or a heart attack, you should not stop taking ToproL-XL suddenly. If your doctor decides you should stop taking TOPROL-XL, you may be instructed to slowly reduce your dose over a period of time before stopping it completely. ToOPROL-XL may not be right for everyone, especially people who havethe following health conditions: Extreme slowing of the heart rate Sudden and severe drop in the blood pressure and blood flow through the body because the heart is not pumping normally * Uncontrolled heart failure Slowdown of the heart’s electrical signal causing a slower heart rate * Damageto the heart’s natural pacemakerthat affects the heart’s rhythm unless a pacemakerdevice is in the body Any allergies to TopRoL-XL orits ingredients. It is important to take your medications every day as directed by your doctor. Patients who have asthma or asthmalike lung disease should, in general, not take ToproL-XL. Your doctor may not want you to take TopRoL-XLif you are taking certain types of high blood pressure medicine, have diabetes, overactive thyroid disease, hardeningof the arteries in the armsor legs or are having major surgery. Until you know howyouwill react to ToPpROL-XL, avoid activities that require alertness. In patients with high blood pressure, the most commonside effects were tiredness, dizziness, depression, diarrhea, itching or rash, shortness of breath and slow heart rate. If you experience any of these or other side effects, contact your doctor. For more information, including full Prescribing Information and a boxed WARNINGregarding abrupt cessation of therapy, please visit www.toprolxl.com or call the Information Center at AstraZenecaat (800) 236-9933.
