TOPROL-XL and metoprolol succinate are available for patients in all regions across the country: AstraZeneca

AstraZenecaOct 28 2009

Following published reports that two generic companies had recalled or suspended shipments of metoprolol succinate, a beta-blocker medication taken by over half a million Americans for the treatment of high blood pressure, TOPROL-XL and its authorized generic, metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets are available.

"If patients were switched to a twice-daily metoprolol because of a supply shortage, it is important for them to know that TOPROL-XL, the extended-release metoprolol taken only once daily, is available," said Kathy Monday, Vice President at AstraZeneca. "TOPROL-XL and metoprolol succinate are available for patients in all regions across the country," she continued.

AstraZeneca has been manufacturing TOPROL-XL for the US market since 1992 and manufactures a generic product, metoprolol succinate, that is distributed and marketed by Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.

People taking TOPROL-XL or metoprolol succinate for their high blood pressure should always consult with their health care professional if they have concerns about their medication. Patients should never disrupt or stop their TOPROL-XL or metoprolol succinate dosing without consulting their health care professional first because of the possibility of serious side effects such as chest pain or heart attack.

What You Should Know about Beta-Blocker Medications

• Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood

• Do not stop taking your beta-blocker medicine unless your doctor advises you to. Stopping your medicine without checking with your doctor may allow blood pressure to increase and may lead to other dangers such as chest pain or heart attack

• People taking beta-blocker medicines should not switch medicines without their doctor's advice

• When taking beta-blockers, as with most medications, it is important to continue to follow your doctor's recommendations, which may include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including a boxed WARNING regarding abrupt cessation of therapy at www.toprolxl.com.

Indication and important risk information you should know about TOPROL-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 taking for it. So, talk to your doctor about high blood pressure and TOPROL-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.

TOPROL-XL may not be right for everyone, especially people who have the 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

• Damage to the heart's natural pacemaker that affects the heart's rhythm unless a pacemaker device is in the body

• Any allergies to TOPROL-XL or its ingredients

It is important to take your medications every day as directed by your doctor.

Patients who have asthma or asthma-like lung disease should, in general, not take TOPROL-XL. Your doctor may not want you to take TOPROL-XL if you are taking certain types of high blood pressure medicine; have diabetes; overactive thyroid disease; hardening of the arteries in the arms or legs, or are having major surgery.

Until you know how you will react to TOPROL-XL, avoid activities that require alertness.

In patients with high blood pressure, the most common side 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.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information and a boxed WARNING regarding abrupt cessation of therapy. For more information, please visit www.toprolxl.com or call the Information Center at AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933.