CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Angina - stable - Management
What adverse effects are associated with ivabradine, and how can they be managed?
- Visual disturbances, including luminous phenomena (phosphenes) and blurred vision, have been commonly reported in people taking ivabradine.
- Luminous phenomena occur in about 15% of people taking ivabradine, usually starting within the first 2 months of treatment and resolving either on continued treatment or on stopping treatment.
- People taking ivabradine should be advised to be careful when driving or using machines at times when there could be sudden changes in light intensity (especially when driving at night) if they experience luminous phenomena.
- Bradycardia is noted in about 4% of people taking ivabradine. Monitor heart rate closely within the first 2–3 months of treatment.
- Headache is a common adverse effect experienced by people taking ivabradine. This is usually transient and resolves within the first month of treatment.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement