Ivabradine
What is Ivabradine?
Ivabradine is an FDA-approved prescriptive medication primarily used to treat chronic heart failure by lowering the heart rate to reduce hospitalization risk. Ivabradine is meant for patients whose heart rate remains elevated despite standard treatments. Additionally, Ivabradine is also used to manage symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and inappropriate sinus tachycardia (high resting heart rate).
Why is Ivabradine Important?
Reduce hospitalizations: Ivabradine slows the heart rate to prevent worsening heart failure
Drug alternative: Since Ivabradine is the first HCN channel blocker, it is a great alternative for patients that take beta-blockers poorly because of low blood pressure or asthma
Potential use for other cardiovascular conditions: Ivabradine has been studied to treat pediatric arrhythmias or stable angina
Risks of Ivabradine:
Drastically lower the heart rate and cause bradycardia (<60bpm), which can lead to dizziness or fatigue
Increased chance of atrial fibrillation, reported that 5.3% to 9% of Ivabradine takers had an atrial fibrillation
Ocular side effects such temporary brightness, blurred visions, or flashes of lights (phosphenes)
Unsafe for pregnant individuals, can cause potential harm to developing fetus
Without insurance, brand-name Corlanor ivabradine can cost up for $600 per month
Ivabradine is an important medication for managing chronic heart failure, specifically for patients with elevated heart rates. Ivabradine reduces hospitalization risks and manages other cardiac symptoms, making it a “more affordable” option than hospitalization. However, ivabradine can cause side effects and increase the risk of other cardiovascular issues, making it important to be prescribed under medical supervision.
