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Email a friendNew Report Compares Toprol XL to Generic
Share Experiences March 17, 2008
Generic Anti-Hypertensive Differs from Original and May Raise Blood Pressure
An investigation by ConsumerLab.com of generic versions of the popular anti-hypertensive Toprol XL reveals that generics sold by two companies appear to differ from the original drug in how they dissolve and in their inactive ingredients. These differences may help explain complaints by consumers who have been switched to a generic version. Prior to generic competition, which began in late 2006, annual sales of Toprol XL were $1.7 billion according to IMS Health, placing it among the top-selling anti-hypertensive medications.
Dramatic increases in blood pressure and increased heart rate are among the complaints reported by people switched to generic versions of Toprol XL. Other reported side effects include nausea, dizziness, hives and headaches, including migraines – most of which do not typically occur with Toprol XL. The reported symptoms generally subside when returned to the original drug. ConsumerLab.com has received complaints through its report form at http://www.consumerlab.com/GenericReport.asp. Complaints received by The People’s Pharmacy appear at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
ConsumerLab.com’s report compares Toprol XL to generics sold by Eon Labs (a division of Sandoz), Ethex (a division of KV Pharmaceutical), and Par Pharmaceutical. Some of the generics contain multiple inactive ingredients not present in Toprol XL, a potential issue for people with chemical sensitivities. ConsumerLab.com also found that some generics sold as “Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release Tablets USP” may not comply with the official USP dissolution test. This is of concern because the rate at which a generic dissolves may affect the rate at which it enters the blood. If blood levels for a generic differ from that of its counterpart original, it may not perform the same way. Use of “USP” in the name of a generic may also lead pharmacists and physicians to believe that it behaves like the original Toprol XL, when that may not be the case.
The new report is found at www.consumerlab.com/results/Toprol_XL_metoprolol_succinate. In addition to product comparisons, the report provides useful strategies for obtaining a desired brand at low cost.
Have you had a problem with the generic version of Toprol XL? We want to hear about your experiences! Share your story below:
Tags: blood pressure, consumerlabs.com, FDA, generic drugs, hypertensive, toprol xl
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Reader Comments
I was taking Toprol XL. It did not lower my blood pressure (157/95) like the doctor wanted. He put me on Toprol, one in the morning and a half of one in the evening. Now for the month of February the average was 110/70, pulse 74. I feel great.
Posted by: J.Tate | March 21, 2008 1:01 PM
I was switched to Metoprolol and began to have many side effects a few months after, and never associated it with being on a generic because my pharmacist insisted it was EXACTLY like the Toprol XL.
I began to lose handfuls of hair, and it was dry, broke out in weird lesions on my body, eyes watery, decreased hearing and sight, vivid nightmares, etc.
The longer I took this generic the more things I got. I decided to wean myself off it as my Dr., who is not a cardiologist, said I had to keep taking it, and I have been off for over 3 weeks now and my hair has stopped coming out, eyes cleared up, lesions are starting to heal and dreams not so vivid and fading away.
I know it was all from the generic now. I could go on and on about all the side effects but this is enough for now. These companies should be put out of business and fined.
Posted by: Ginger Hobbs | March 21, 2008 1:45 PM
I began taking Toprol XL at the same time I stopped taking asthma medication since I had not had asthma symptoms for two years. Although beta blockers cause broncospasm, I had no problems while on Toprol for three years. Two months ago I was given the generic (my insurance is an HMO) and suddenly began having asthma attacks of wheezing and severe coughing. I am now back on asthma medication, but I believe if I return to taking the name brand medication the asthma symptoms will disappear and I can stop taking the asthma medication.
Posted by: jey | March 25, 2008 7:36 PM
I took Toprol XL, 50mg daily for three years. It controlled my stage 3 hypertension perfectly (120/70). I had minimal side effects during the first month (some shortness of breath and tiredness) but nothing thereafter.
My managed care pharmeceutical provider, Caremark, switched me to generic Metoprolol four months ago. They did this without checking with my physician. I have had nothing but problems since. My BP is in the danger zone and my pulse is rapid. My physician doubled the dosage to no avail. To make matters worse, I am having all kinds of nasty side effects from the higher dosage--abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, etc.
Posted by: RR | March 27, 2008 10:42 AM
In July 2006 I was diagnosed with a basilar tip aneurysm. Control of my blood pressure is crucial. Taking Toprol XL worked wonderfully. When the generic, Metoprolol became available I switched. Big mistake. My blood pressure shot straight and my pulse rate stayed above 100. I will never use generic again.
Posted by: Linda Sanders | March 28, 2008 4:30 PM
Curiously, I was switched to Toprol XL... and found it was not particularly effecive... I preferred actually the more regualr 2x a day dosage. I was switched again to metropolol. BUT I can' tell who makes it! and it doesn't "feel" as effecive as more as the non-generic... Apparnetly however, my experiences are rather mild compared to those with a LOT more effects and impacts.
Posted by: SIN | March 28, 2008 6:21 PM
Early today, I resolved to ask my cardiologist exactly WHY I'm taking each of these drugs. Toprol and Enalapril would seem to be redundant. I'm getting the generic Metoprolol and have never questioned it until this moment!
I developed fairly serious CHF in connection with chemotherapy for breast cancer. The docs disagree whether Adriamycin or Herceptin brought it on. I don't need a verdict now that chemo is over, but other oncology patients are similarly at risk.
Posted by: Catherine | April 12, 2008 1:46 PM
I began treatment for high blood pressure last year. I was prescribed the generic version of Toprol. After about a week I had a severe episode of heart palipatations and had a rapid heart rate for about 6 weeks. My blood pressure was higher than before starting on the drug. I asked my doctor to recommend another drug and I am now on Diltiazem. Blood pressure is controlled and my heart rate is in my normal range. I was suspicious that Toprol caused these episodes and I see that may very well be the case.
Posted by: LBE | April 29, 2008 10:43 AM