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Avapro

(irbesartan)

In this factsheet:
• How does Avapro work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Avapro?
• What form(s) does Avapro come in?
• Who should NOT take Avapro?
• What side effects are possible with Avapro?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avapro?
• What other drugs could interact with Avapro?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Avapro?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Less common:

• anxiety or nervousness
• belching, heartburn, and stomach discomfort
• cold-like symptoms
• diarrhea
• headache
• muscle or bone pain
• unusual tiredness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• hoarseness
• swelling of
  • face
  • feet
  • hands
  • lips
  • tongue
• tightening of the throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avapro?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Dizziness and lightheadedness may occur, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that would be dangerous if you were dizzy or lightheaded.

Kidney problems: Irbesartan may affect the function of the kidneys, especially in those who already have kidney problems. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney problems so that he or she can closely monitor your kidney function.

Liver problems: The ability of the body to break down (eliminate) irbesartan may be affected in people with below normal liver function. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have liver problems.

Low blood pressure: Occasionally, a larger-than-expected decrease in blood pressure occurs after taking irbesartan. In some cases, this happens after the first dose. It is more likely to occur if you take diuretics (water pills), have a reduced salt intake, are on dialysis, or are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

Blood pressure should be monitored more often in these situations. Those with low blood pressure or those just starting to take this medication should move slowly from a reclining to an upright position to reduce the risk of dizziness.

Medical conditions: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as they may affect your use of this medication:

• heart disease
• recent heart attack or stroke
• valvular stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)

Pregnancy: Irbesartan should not be taken by pregnant women. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Breast-feeding is generally not recommended because of the possibility of serious side effects to the infant. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with Avapro?

There may be an interaction between irbesartan and any of the following:

• diuretics (water pills, e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)
• lithium
• medications that increase the level of potassium in the blood (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, or salt substitutes that contain potassium)
• other blood pressure medications
• potassium pills or potassium supplements

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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