What is the difference between Bisoprolol Hemifumarate and Bisoprolol Fumarate?

[birdofprey]

For 2 years I have been taking Bisoprolol Fumarate, indeed the prescription calls it such. This time the chemist has given me Bisoprolol Hemifumarate.

Is there any difference and should I return to the chemist and request what was on the prescription?

Thank you in anticipation.

[Sqad]

Chemically slightly different (hardly at all)....pharmacological activity identical

Don't worry.

[birdofprey]

I am very susceptible to side-effects and it took a while to find the drugs which worked without any.

Is the 'chemical' difference likely to cause any?

[Sqad]

No, none at all.........I am not a chemist but i think that the two mentioned above are just polymers of the same compound (if that makes sense) and their activity and dose remain the same.

[gingejbee]

Think Sqad means "isomers" of each other. The two are virtually the same and will have exactly the same effects, as he has said.

[Sqad]

gingejbee....:-)....that just underlines my comment " I am not a chemist"......I stand corrected.

[birdofprey]

Thanks for your answers. We have just spoken to a pharmacist who stated that I should have been given the product on the prescription . I went back to the Chemist and they are ordering the correct product (they didn't have it in stock, hence the substitution which would not effect the majority of people). He has just apologised and said it should not have happened and there can be an issue with allergies.

Thanks for your contributions.