Geomatrix is a registered trademark of Jagotec AG. Shionogi Pharma’s use of the Geomatrix technology is under license from SkyePharma.

SULAR with Geomatrix® Delivery System

Your doctor may prescribe SULAR with Geomatrix Delivery System to treat your hypertension. It is important to get your blood pressure under control as quickly as possible and SULAR has been proven to provide the majority of its blood pressure lowering effects in just 2 weeks.1

What kind of drug is SULAR?

SULAR is part of a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Specifically, it is a tablet with an extended-release dose of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nisoldipine.

How does SULAR work?

SULAR works by relaxing the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. By relaxing these blood vessels, SULAR helps lower your blood pressure.

How much SULAR should I take?

The dosage of SULAR must be adjusted to each patient's needs. Therapy usually should be initiated with 17 mg orally, once daily, and then increased by 8.5 mg per week (or longer intervals) as needed to attain adequate control of blood pressure. For patients over 65 or for those patients with impaired liver function, the recommended starting dose is 8.5 mg daily. Usual maintenance dosage is 17 mg to 34 mg once daily. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions.

How do I take SULAR?

Take SULAR tablets as directed orally once daily. SULAR should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Grapefruit products should be avoided before and after dosing. SULAR is an extended release tablet form and therefore it is important that you swallow the tablets whole (do not chew) and take it at approximately the same time every day.

Is SULAR safe?

SULAR is safe and generally well tolerated. The most frequently occurring adverse experiences (side effects) with SULAR are those due to relaxation of the blood vessels; these are generally mild and only occasionally cause a patient to stop taking the medication. These side effects include swelling of the feet or ankles, headache, dizziness, sore throat, flushing, sinusitis, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, nausea, and rash.

Can I take SULAR if I'm pregnant or nursing?

Inform your doctor that you are pregnant, nursing, or intending to become pregnant before taking SULAR.

Who should take SULAR?

SULAR is indicated to treat patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), either alone or in combination with other drugs that also treat hypertension. Your blood pressure should be carefully checked and monitored after starting SULAR and while trying to find the best dose for you.

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Indication:
SULAR is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Important Safety Information:
The most common adverse events, reported in US placebo-controlled trials, were peripheral edema, headache, and dizziness. In rare cases, some patients, particularly those with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, have developed increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, or acute myocardial infarction on starting calcium channel blocker therapy or at the time of dosage increase. Safety of SULAR in patients with heart failure has not been established. SULAR should be administered cautiously in patients over the age of 65 and in those with severe hepatic dysfunction. Because nisoldipine, like other vasodilators, decreases peripheral vascular resistance, careful monitoring of blood pressure during the initial administration and titration of SULAR is recommended. SULAR should not be taken with grapefruit products.

References: 1. Data on file. Shionogi Pharma, Inc.

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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