irbesartan (Avapro)

Brand Names: Avapro

Generic Name: irbesartan

• 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)?

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.

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Avapro 150 mg

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Avapro 300 mg

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Avapro 75 mg

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Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult 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.

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 (a blood pressure medicine).

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 (a blood pressure medicine).

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• congestive heart failure; or
• if you are dehydrated.

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

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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.

SLIDESHOW

How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise Tips See Slideshow

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

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

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

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

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lithium.

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

Your pharmacist can provide more information about irbesartan.

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