Levosimendan 12.5 mg

Levosimendan 12.5 mg — Uses and Benefits

Levosimendan is used to treat acute decompensated heart failure in patients whose heart is not pumping blood adequately, when standard treatment is not enough.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Short-term treatment of acutely decompensated severe chronic heart failure
• Used in hospital or intensive care settings for patients with reduced heart pumping function
• Sometimes used to support the heart after major cardiac surgery

HOW IT WORKS

• It sensitises heart muscle proteins to calcium, helping the heart contract more strongly
• It opens certain channels in blood vessels, which relaxes them and reduces the workload on the heart
• Unlike some older heart medicines, it does this without greatly increasing the heart's oxygen need

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for mild or stable, well-controlled heart failure
• Not a treatment for high blood pressure alone
• Not used for chest pain (angina) that is not linked to heart failure
• Not for routine home use or self-administration

How to Use Levosimendan 12.5 mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• This medicine is given only as an intravenous infusion by trained hospital staff
• It is not available as a tablet, capsule, or syrup for home use
• The dose, rate, and duration of infusion are decided by the treating doctor based on your condition
• Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be monitored continuously during and after the infusion

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• This does not apply, as the medicine is administered by medical staff in a controlled hospital setting
• If you have concerns about your treatment schedule, discuss with your treating doctor

STORAGE

• Storage is handled entirely by the hospital or pharmacy staff
• It is kept away from light and stored at the temperature specified by the manufacturer
• Patients and caregivers do not need to store or handle this medicine at home

Levosimendan 12.5 mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Low potassium levels in blood
• Insomnia
• Vomiting

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe drop in blood pressure with fainting
• Chest pain or signs of heart attack
• Very fast, irregular, or dangerous heart rhythms
• Severe shortness of breath
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Levosimendan 12.5 mg — Safety Information and Precautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to levosimendan or any of its ingredients
• Have severe low blood pressure or a very fast heart rate
• Have a mechanical obstruction affecting the heart's filling or blood outflow
• Have severe kidney or liver disease, unless specifically advised by a specialist

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any history of irregular heart rhythms
• Have low potassium or low blood volume
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are taking other heart or blood pressure medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other intravenous heart medicines (like nitrates or other agents affecting blood pressure)
• Beta-blockers, which may increase the risk of low blood pressure
• Diuretics, due to combined effects on potassium levels and blood pressure
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are using

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine at home?

No, it is given only in a hospital setting as an intravenous infusion under medical supervision.

How long does the effect of levosimendan last?

Its effects on heart function can last for several days after the infusion is stopped, due to active breakdown products.

Is this medicine a substitute for regular heart failure tablets?

• No, it is used for short-term support during acute worsening of heart failure and does not replace your regular long-term medicines.
• This medicine is available only under prescription and hospital administration in India. Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.