An Introduction to Side Effects of Coreg CR
As with any medicine,
Coreg CR® (
carvedilol CR) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Coreg CR. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Coreg CR side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects Seen With Coreg CR
Most of the information about potential Coreg CR side effects comes from studies of the short-acting version (Coreg).
Coreg has been studied extensively in people with
high blood pressure,
congestive heart failure, and a recent
heart attack. In these clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine.
Congestive Heart Failure
Based on information from Coreg studies, the most common side effects of Coreg CR seen in people with mild, moderate, or severe congestive
heart failure or following a heart attack include:
- Dizziness -- in up to 32 percent of people
- Fatigue -- up to 24 percent
- Low blood pressure -- up to 14 percent
- Diarrhea -- up to 12 percent
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) -- up to 12 percent (see Coreg and Blood Sugar)
- Increase in weight -- up to 12 percent (see Coreg and Weight Gain)
- Slow heart rate -- up to 10 percent
- Nausea -- up to 9 percent.
Other common side effects of short-acting Coreg (occurring in more than 3 percent of people with congestive heart failure or those following a heart attack) include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Fainting (syncope)
- Changes in vision
- Anemia.
High Blood Pressure
Unlike for other uses, studies have been done with Coreg CR (not just Coreg) for the treatment of high blood pressure. The most common Coreg CR side effects seen in people with high blood pressure include:
- Common cold symptoms (such as a stuffy or runny nose) -- in up to 4 percent of people
- Dizziness -- up to 2 percent
- Nausea -- up to 2 percent
- Swelling of the hands or feet -- up to 2 percent.
