Merck Pharmaceuticals is launching Cardicor (bisoprolol fumarate) tablets on January 24. Cardicor tablets, available in six strengths, are licensed for the treatment of stable, chronic, moderate to severe heart failure with reduced systolic ventricular function (ejection fraction 35 per cent, based on echocardiography).
Treatment with bisoprolol is to be started with a gradual uptitration according to the following steps: 1.25mg once daily for one week; if well tolerated increase to 2.5mg once daily for a further week; if well tolerated increase to 3.75mg once daily for a further week; if well tolerated increase to 5mg once daily for the four following weeks; if well tolerated increase to 7.5mg once daily for the four following weeks; if well tolerated then increase to 10mg once daily for maintenance therapy. The maximum recommended dose is 10mg once daily. After initiation of treatment with 1.25mg, patients should be observed over a period of approximately four hours (see SPC for details). Patients should additionally be treated with an ACE inhibitor (or other vasodilator in the case of intolerance to ACE inhibitors) and a diuretic, and optionally cardiac glycosides. Cardicor is available in packs of 28 film-coated tablets (net price, 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 3.75mg, 5mg £8.56, 7.5mg £9.09, 10mg £9.61).