NHS warning to everyone taking Bisoprolol for heart problems – dial 999 with 2 symptoms

NHS guidance has highlighted serious Bisoprolol side effects that require a call to your GP – or even dialling 999 call

People taking a widely-used medication for heart and circulatory conditions have been put on alert regarding some significant side-effects they ought to be aware of. Across the UK, millions of people rely on beta-blockers as a treatment for heart and circulatory diseases.

Each year, more than 50 million prescriptions for the drug are issued. These cover everything from blood pressure and heart rate problems to conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. The most frequently prescribed beta-blocker by doctors is Bisoprolol which, according to NHS England, ranks as the seventh most commonly prescribed medicine in the country.

Figures for 2024-25 reveal it was prescribed 32 million times throughout the year in England alone. According to the NHS: “If you have high blood pressure, taking bisoprolol helps prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

“Bisoprolol is also used to prevent chest pain caused by angina. It’s also used to treat atrial fibrillation and other conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat. It works by slowing down your heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.”

However, it is vital that those taking the medication remain informed about some key side-effects. Those starting the medication for the first time are advised to take it at bedtime, as the initial dose can trigger dizziness, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Several other side effects are common, affecting more than one in 100 people taking the medication. They include:

• feeling dizzy or sick
• headaches
• cold hands or feet
• constipation
• diarrhoea

However there are some side effects it is vital to be aware of as they could mean a trip to the doctor or even dialling 999. The NHS advises: “It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking bisoprolol. Call a doctor or call 111 now if:

• you have shortness of breath with a cough that gets worse when you exercise (like walking up stairs), swollen ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat – these are signs of heart problems
• the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – these can be signs of liver problems

It adds: “Call 999 now if:

• you have chest pain – this can be a sign of heart problems
• you have shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of the chest – these can be signs of lung problems”

You should also dial 999 if you have a serious allergic reaction to the medication – also known as anaphylaxis. It says you should “call 999 now” if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

It says: “You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.”

It adds: “Do not drive yourself to A&E. The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.”