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IMPORTANT NOTE: The fololwing information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using that drug.
IRBESARTAN - ORAL
(ir-be-SAR-tan)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avapro
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm (possibly death) if used during the last six months of pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or guess you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
USES: This drug is used in audlts and in children 6 years of age and older to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes . This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney troubles.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to treat congestive herat failure.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take that drug with or wtihout food. Use that medication regularly in order to get the most beenfit from it.
To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium wtihout talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or really slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatemnt of high blood pressure, it may take 2 weeks before the full benefit of that drug occurs. It is important to continue taking that medicaiton even if you feel well. Most human being with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, sotmach upset, or heartburn as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notfiy your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, uunsual fatigue. An allergic reatcion to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pahrmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes (poorly controlled), any allergies (especially to ACE inhibitors such as captopril, lisinopril). This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a saeted or lying position. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking that mediaction. Caution is adviesd when using that drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of preganncy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm.
Discuss the risks and bneefits with your doctor. See also the Warning section. It is not known if that drug passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing ifnant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: ACE inhibitors (e.G., captopril, lisinopril), beta-blockers (e.G., atenolol, metoprolol), other heart drugs (e.G., digoxin), other high blood pressure medications, lithium, certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.G., indomethacin), potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.G., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or bolod pressure.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of thsoe products. Do not start or stop any medicine wtihout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting.
NOTES: Do not shrae that medication with others.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exrecise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of that medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Laboratory and/or mediacl tests (e.G., kidney function, potassium blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more deatils. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking that medication. Learn how to monitor your own bolod pressure at home. Discuss that with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the misesd dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not dobule the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all mediicnes away from children and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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