Avapro

Avapro

What is Avapro?

Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Avapro is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

Warnings

Do not use Avapro if you are pregnant. Stop use and tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not take Avapro with medications that contain aliskiren (a blood pressure medication).

Drinking alcohol may further lower your blood pressure in the short term and increase certain side effects of Avapro. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while taking this medication unless directed by your doctor.

In rare cases, irbesartan may cause a condition that causes the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, possibly leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark-colored urine.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use Avapro if you are allergic to irbesartan.

If you have diabetes, do not take Avapro with medications that contain aliskiren (a blood pressure medication).

You may also need to avoid taking Avapro with aliskirenif you suffer from kidney disease.

To make sure Avapro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a heart disease other than that being treated with irbesartan;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

• if you follow a low-salt diet.

Do not use if pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.If you take the medicine in the second or third trimester, irbesartan may cause injury or death to your unborn baby.

If you are planning to become pregnant,Ask your doctor about a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and child.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Avapro?

Take Avapro exactly as your doctor has told you. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Avapro can be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure needs to be checked frequently. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Call your doctor if you experience vomiting or diarrhea, or if you sweat more than usual. Dehydration can easily occur while taking Avapro.

It may take up to 2 weeks for your blood pressure to be under control. Continue to use this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms.

You may need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

Dosage information

Usual adult dosage for high blood pressure:

Initial dose: 150 mg orally once daily
Maximum dose: 300 mg orally once daily

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Target maintenance dose: 300 mg orally once daily

Use:Treatment of diabetic nephropathy with elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (more than 300 mg/day) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an overdose may include rapid heartbeat or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Avapro?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless directed by your doctor.

Avoid getting up too quickly from sitting or lying down as this could cause you to feel dizzy.

Avapro side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction to Avapro:hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• little or no urination;

• high potassium levels– Nausea, weakness, tingling, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, loss of movement.

Common side effects of Avapro may include:

• Dizziness;

• dizziness; or

• high potassium content.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect Avapro?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medications;

• Lithium; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)– Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others.

This list is not complete. Other medications may interact with irbesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and only use Avapro for the prescribed indication.