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Verapamil ER Coupon - Verapamil ER 240mg tablet

verapamil ER

Generic Calan SR
Used for Hypertension
Used for Hypertension

Verapamil ER (Verelan) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It's an extended-release (ER) medication that works throughout the day and is available as a tablet and capsule.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Shifali Patel, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 26, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Verapamil ER (Verelan)?

What is Verapamil ER (Verelan) used for?

  • High blood pressure

How Verapamil ER (Verelan) works

Verapamil ER (Verelan) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It works by blocking calcium from entering your heart muscle. This helps lower how much your heart works to squeeze (contract) and relax. It also relaxes and opens up your blood vessels, including those of your heart. By relaxing your heart muscle and blood vessels, verapamil ER (Verelan) helps lower your blood pressure.

Are you looking for information on verapamil immediate-release instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCalan SR, Verelan, Verelan PM
Drug ClassCalcium channel blocker (CCB)
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$61.66(save 61.08%)
GoodRx discount
$24.00
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What are the side effects of Verapamil ER (Verelan)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Tablet (Calan SR)
  • Constipation (7%)
  • Dizziness (3%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Low blood pressure (3%)
Capsule (Verelan)
  • Constipation (7%)
  • Headache (5%)
  • Dizziness (4%)
  • Tiredness or sluggishness (3%)
  • Indigestion (3%)
Capsule (Verelan PM)
  • Headache (12%)
  • Infection (12%)
  • Constipation (9%)
  • Flu (4%)
  • Swelling of arms or legs (4%)
  • Dizziness (3%)
  • Sore throat (3%)
  • Sinus infection (3%)
  • Indigestion (3%)
  • Stuffy nose (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Stomach discomfort (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
  • Dry mouth
  • Overgrowth of gums (gingival hyperplasia)
  • Swelling
  • Heart failure and fluid buildup in lungs
  • Changes in heart rate
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Numbness, burning, or tingling in arms or legs
  • Sweating
  • Sleep disturbances or trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in ears
  • Enlarged breasts
  • Frequent urination
  • Flushed skin
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart rhythm problems: chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, feeling like your heart skipped a beat, severe tiredness
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath, cough, tiredness, swelling of arms or legs, quick weight gain, dizziness
  • Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain or swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion
  • Low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness or tiredness, blurred vision, feeling thirsty, sweating, cold or pale skin, confusion, fast breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blue lips and fingernails

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain

confusion

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

increased sweating

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

pale skin

shortness of breath

slow or irregular heartbeat

sore throat

sweating

swelling in legs and ankles

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Chills

cold sweats

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

headache

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

difficulty in moving

heartburn

indigestion

joint pain

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

nausea

rash

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

trouble sleeping

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

swollen joints

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Verapamil ER (Verelan)

thumbs-up

Pros

Lowers blood pressure, which lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack

Only need to take once daily

Capsule can be opened and contents (pellets) can be mixed in with applesauce for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Available in a lower-cost generic form

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't treat irregular heart rate or chest pain like the immediate-release form

Has many undesirable side effects, such as headache, dizziness, and swelling of the arms or legs

Must use with caution in people with liver or kidney disease

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Verapamil ER (Verelan)

pharmacist

  • If you're switching from the immediate-release form to verapamil ER (Verelan), your total daily dose should stay the same unless your healthcare provider changes your dose. Instead of taking multiple doses throughout the day, you'll only have to take verapamil ER (Verelan) once daily because it's an extended-release medication. This means that the medication is slowly released throughout the day to maintain steady levels in your body.

    • If you're taking the capsules (Verelan, Verelan PM) but are having trouble swallowing, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the pellets inside onto 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce mixture right away, making sure not to chew or crush the pellets. Then, drink a cold glass of water to make sure you completely swallow the pellets for a full dose. Don't save the mixture or split up the contents of your capsule for later use, because it might not work as well and you won't get the full effects of the medication.

      • Verapamil ER (Verelan) doesn't allow your body to remove alcohol like it should. This can lead to high levels of alcohol in your blood and longer lasting effects of alcohol on your body. For your safety, limit alcohol use and let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of alcohol use.

        • Let your pharmacist or healthcare provider know if you take a statin medication for high cholesterol. Taking verapamil ER (Verelan) with statins, like atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), can lead to muscle breakdown and muscle weakness. The dose of your statin medication might need to be lowered before you start using verapamil ER (Verelan).

          • Store verapamil ER (Verelan) at room temperature in a place away from heat, light, and moisture. Close your medication bottle tightly and keep it out of reach from children at all times.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Verapamil ER (Verelan)

            How long does it take verapamil ER (Verelan) to start working to lower blood pressure?
            Verapamil ER (Verelan) starts working within 1 week. When you first start the medication, your healthcare provider might make changes to your dose on a weekly basis depending on how well you're tolerating the medication and how well it's working to lower your blood pressure. If you don't notice a difference in your blood pressure within 1 week, let your healthcare provider know.
            Can I combine other blood pressure medications with verapamil ER (Verelan)?
            Since verapamil ER (Verelan) lowers your blood pressure, taking verapamil ER (Verelan) with other blood pressure medications can lead to even lower blood pressure and a slowed heart rate. Some people with poorly controlled blood pressure might need to take multiple medications to lower their blood pressure to healthy levels. Discuss the risks and benefits of combining blood pressure medications with your healthcare provider, and regularly follow up with your provider so your doses can be adjusted if needed.
            What's the difference between Verelan and Verelan PM??
            Verelan and Verelan PM are both extended-release capsules of verapamil ER (Verelan) and are used to lower blood pressure. The extended-release capsules slowly release medication into your body, and they continue to work throughout the day to maintain steady levels in your body. The main difference is the time of day you should take them. Verelan is typically taken once daily in the morning, whereas Verelan PM is taken once daily at bedtime. Verelan PM is made in a special way that allows for a delayed start and doesn't start releasing medication until 4 to 5 hours after you take it. This allows Verelan PM to reach its highest levels in your body in the morning, when your blood pressure tends to be higher compared to the rest of the day.
            Is it safe to take verapamil ER (Verelan) while pregnant?
            There aren't any studies looking at the safety of verapamil ER (Verelan) in pregnant humans, but harmful effects have been observed in animal studies. If you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of taking verapamil ER (Verelan) with your healthcare provider and only use it if absolutely necessary.
            Is it safe to take verapamil ER (Verelan) while breastfeeding?
            Verapamil ER (Verelan) can pass into human breast milk, which might lead to serious harm for your baby. Don't breastfeed if you're taking verapamil ER (Verelan). Discuss with your healthcare provider if you would like to switch to a safer medication while breastfeeding.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Verapamil ER (Verelan)?

            Verapamil ER (Verelan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Heart failure

            • Risk factors: History of heart disease

              Verapamil ER (Verelan) can cause heart failure and fluid buildup in your lungs. Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. If you have a history of heart disease or heart-related problems, let your healthcare provider know before you start verapamil ER (Verelan). You might need to take other medications, such as water pills (diuretics), to help manage your heart problem. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling of the feet, legs, or stomach, quick weight gain, dizziness, and cough.

              risk-warning

              Low blood pressure

              • Risk factors: History of low blood pressure | Taking blood pressure medications

                Verapamil ER (Verelan) can sometimes cause your blood pressure to drop to seriously low levels. This isn't very common if you have high blood pressure, but it's still possible. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of low blood pressure, including dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness or tiredness, and especially if you experience blurred vision, thirst (dehydration), sweating, cold or pale skin, fast breathing, or confusion.

                risk-warning

                Liver problems

                • Risk factors: History of liver disease

                  Verapamil ER (Verelan) can raise the level of liver proteins in your blood. These levels are checked when you get bloodwork done to monitor the health of your liver. Some of these elevations are harmless and disappear as you continue using verapamil ER (Verelan). Other times, it can lead to more serious liver problems. If you have a history of liver disease, let your healthcare provider know before starting verapamil ER (Verelan). You might need routine bloodwork to make sure your labs are within the normal range. Let your provider know right away if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain or swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, weakness, or confusion. These can be signs of liver injury.

                  risk-warning

                  Heart rhythm problems

                  • Risk factors: Taking other blood pressure medications, especially beta-blockers

                    Verapamil ER (Verelan) can cause changes in your heart rhythm, including temporarily lowering your heart rate. Rarely, it can also cause a heart rhythm problem called heart block (AV block), which can be life-threatening. If this occurs, your dose might have to be lowered or you might have to completely stop taking verapamil ER (Verelan). Call for emergency medical help if you have chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, severe tiredness, feel like fainting, or feel like your heart skipped a beat.

                    risk-warning

                    Complications in people with certain heart rhythm problems

                    • Risk factors: Wolff-Parkinson-White or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Taking verapamil by injection

                      Before starting verapamil ER (Verelan), make sure your healthcare provider knows your full medical history, especially if you have any heart-related problems.

                      If you have an irregular heart rate (e.g., atrial fibrillation or A-fib, atrial flutter) and you're born with extra heart muscle tissue, don't take verapamil ER (Verelan), as this medication might put you at a higher risk for ventricular fibrillation (V-fib). This is a serious heart rhythm condition that can be life-threatening if not treated right away. V-fib was seen in people taking the injection form of verapamil, but you should still take similar precautions with oral forms of verapamil as well. Symptoms of V-fib include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.

                      If you have a genetic heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), take verapamil ER (Verelan) with caution. HCM causes your heart muscle to grow thicker, making it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. If you have HCM, verapamil ER (Verelan) can cause serious complications, such as fluid buildup in your lungs, severely low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart block, and even death. Let your healthcare provider know if you have HCM because you might need to use a lower dose of verapamil ER (Verelan).

                      dosage

                      Verapamil ER (Verelan) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 90 tablets of 240mg of Verapamil ER (Verelan) is $24.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 61.08% off the average retail price of $61.66.
                      capsule
                      Capsule
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      120mg90 capsules$48.76$0.54
                      180mg90 capsules$51.30$0.57
                      240mg90 capsules$56.93$0.63
                      360mg30 capsules$61.75$2.06
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      120mg90 tablets$24.00$0.27
                      180mg90 tablets$24.00$0.27
                      240mg90 tablets$24.00$0.27

                      Typical dosing for Verapamil ER (Verelan)

                      Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose based on how well you tolerate the medication and how well the medication is working for you.

                      Note: Sustained-release (SR) is another term for the extended-release form.

                      Tablet (brand-name Calan SR):

                      • The typical starting dose is 180 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.

                      Capsule

                      • Brand-name Verelan: The typical dose is 240 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.

                      • Brand-name Verelan PM: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime.

                      Your dose might differ if you're of older age, have low body weight, or have liver or kidney problems.

                      More on Verapamil ER (Verelan) dosage forms

                      Health: Verapamil: closeup hands pill organizer 1338748921

                      Verapamil Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                      Written by Daphne Berryhill, RPh
                      interactions

                      Interactions between Verapamil ER (Verelan) and other drugs

                      Verapamil ER (Verelan) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Verapamil ER (Verelan). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      drug-cost

                      How much does Verapamil ER (Verelan) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Calan SR (brand)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $24.00

                      (save 97.58%)
                      Verapamil ER (Verelan) (generic)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $24.00

                      (save 61.08%)
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                      contraindications-icon

                      Verapamil ER (Verelan) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Verapamil ER (Verelan) will not be safe for you to take.

                      • Complication on the left side of your heart (left ventricular dysfunction)

                      • Low blood pressure (systolic pressure less than 90 mmHg) or heart unable to pump enough blood (cardiogenic shock)

                      • Heart rhythm problem (sick sinus syndrome)

                      • 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block

                      • Irregular heart rate (e.g., atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) and being born with extra heart muscle tissue (Wolff-Parkinson-White or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome)

                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Verapamil ER (Verelan)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Verapamil ER (Verelan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Verapamil ER (Verelan)
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                      • High blood pressure

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                      • High blood pressure

                      • Chest pain

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                      Verapamil
                      Used for:
                      $17.75 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Verapamil ER (Verelan) images

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