The NHS has issued crucial safety guidance for the millions of people across the UK who take a common heart medication, warning of rare but serious side effects that demand an immediate 999 call.
A Vital Medication for Millions
Beta-blockers are a cornerstone of treatment for cardiovascular and circulatory conditions, with over 50 million prescriptions dispensed annually in the UK. Among these, Bisoprolol is the most frequently prescribed beta-blocker by GPs and ranks as the seventh most commonly prescribed medication nationwide.
Data for the 2024-25 period shows it was dispensed a staggering 32 million times in England alone. The NHS states that for those with high blood pressure, Bisoprolol helps prevent future heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It is also used to treat angina chest pain and irregular heartbeats like atrial fibrillation, working by slowing the heart rate and making it easier to pump blood.
Common vs. Serious Side Effects
As with many medicines, there are side effects to consider. Patients starting the drug are advised to take their first dose at bedtime due to potential dizziness. Common side effects, which the NHS notes are usually mild and short-lived, include feeling dizzy or sick, headaches, cold hands or feet, constipation, and diarrhoea.
However, the health service has now underscored the importance of recognising specific, more serious reactions. While rare, these can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
When to Call a Doctor or 111
The NHS advises contacting a doctor or calling 111 immediately if you experience:
- Shortness of breath with a worsening cough during exercise, swollen ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat (signs of heart problems).
- The whites of your eyes or your skin turning yellow (a sign of liver problems, which may be less obvious on brown or black skin).
When to Call 999 Immediately
Dial 999 without delay if you experience:
- Chest pain, which can signal heart problems.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, which can indicate lung issues.
Furthermore, a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to Bisoprolol is a medical emergency. Call 999 if you or someone else experiences:
- Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing, severe wheezing, or feeling like you are choking.
- A tight throat or trouble swallowing.
- Skin, lips, or tongue turning blue, grey, or pale (check palms or soles on darker skin).
- Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness.
- Someone fainting and not waking up, or a child becoming limp and unresponsive.
The NHS adds that a swollen, raised, itchy, blistering, or peeling rash may also accompany a severe allergic reaction, requiring immediate hospital treatment. The critical final advice is: "Do not drive yourself to A&E. The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do."
