Avapro

Avapro

     * Generic Name: irbesartan
     * Brand Name: Avapro


     * What is irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * What are the possible side effects of irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * How should I take irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Avapro)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Avapro)?
     * What should I avoid while taking irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * What other drugs will affect irbesartan (Avapro)?
     * Where can I get more information (Avapro)?

What is irbesartan (Avapro)?

   Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.
   Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood
   pressure and improves blood flow.

   Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
   It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

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

   Irbesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of irbesartan (Avapro)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

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

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * little or no urination;
     * swelling, rapid weight gain; or
     * confusion, loss of appetite, vomiting, pain in your
       side or lower back.

   Common side effects may include:
     * diarrhea;
     * heartburn, upset stomach; or
     * tired feeling.

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

What is the most important information I should know about irbesartan
(Avapro)?

   Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right
   away if you become pregnant.

   If you have diabetes, do not use irbesartan together with any
   medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna,
   Tekamlo).

   Avapro Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking irbesartan
(Avapro)?

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

   If you have diabetes, do not use irbesartan together with any
   medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo,
   Valturna).

   You may also need to avoid taking irbesartan with aliskiren if you have
   kidney disease.

   To make sure irbesartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * kidney disease;
     * liver disease;
     * congestive heart failure; or
     * if you are dehydrated.

   Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking
   this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Irbesartan can cause
   injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your
   second or third trimester.

   It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

How should I take irbesartan (Avapro)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Irbesartan may be taken with or without food.

   Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
   your life.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Avapro Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Avapro)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Avapro)?

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

What should I avoid while taking irbesartan (Avapro)?

   Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase
   certain side effects of irbesartan.

   Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are
   taking irbesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

What other drugs will affect irbesartan (Avapro)?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * lithium.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with irbesartan,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Avapro)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about irbesartan.
     __________________________________________________________________