Avapro

The active ingredient in Avapro is irbesartan, which is considered an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It works by inhibiting the action of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II's primary function is to constrict your blood vessels, causing your blood pressure to rise and your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Avapro relaxes your blood vessels by suppressing the body's response to this hormone which lowers your blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Avapro. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Avapro:

• Avapro can be taken with or without food.
• Your blood pressure will need to be tested regularly. Your renal function may also need to be checked.
• It may take up to two weeks to get your blood pressure under control. Even if you are feeling better, continue to take this medication as advised. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms.
• You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life. Diet, exercise, cholesterol reduction, quitting smoking, and diabetes management may all be part of the treatment.

The most common side effects of irbesartan include:

• Low blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).
• Dizziness.
• Diarrhea.
• Heartburn.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Itching.
• Tiredness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Avapro. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Angioedema (severe swelling) or severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, and shortness of breath.
• Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, and feeling faint.
• Serious kidney problems: urinating less frequently than usual, unexplained weight gain, or swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) cause nausea, muscle weakness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
• Liver problems: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, and itching.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Avapro. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Avapro, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including any of the following.

• You should not take Avapro if you are allergic to irbesartan.
• If you have diabetes, avoid taking Avapro with any medications containing aliskiren (a blood pressure drug) or other antihypertensives such as ACE inhibitors.
• Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure in the short term while also increasing certain Avapro adverse effects.
• To ensure that Avapro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a cardiac condition that is not being treated with irbesartan, kidney disease (or are on dialysis), or a low-salt diet. You should use potassium supplements or salt substitutes only if your doctor has prescribed them.
• If you intend to get pregnant, consult your doctor about a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Taking Avapro may cause birth defects and can be fatal for your unborn child.
• Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium.

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Irbesartan (Avapro) is not safe for you to consume.

• Take aliskiren (Tekturna) and you also have diabetes.

Avapro will begin working right after taking your first dose but it may take 4 to 6 weeks to see its full effects. Depending on how your blood pressure reacts, your daily Avapro dose may need to be increased.

When Avapro is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Medications for the heart or blood pressure.
• Lithium.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Typical dose for Avapro:

High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 150 mg taken orally once daily. Your provider will modify your dosage based on your blood pressure. The maximum dose is 300 mg taken orally once daily.

Diabetic renal disease: The normal dose is 300 mg taken orally once daily.

Your dose may vary if you're dehydrated, taking diuretics ("water pills"), or on dialysis.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but omit it if it's almost time for the following dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Store Avapro at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Sanofi-Aventis is the manufacturer of Avapro.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Avapro available.

If you wish to discontinue taking Avapro, consult your doctor first. Don't abruptly discontinue this drug, especially if you've been taking it consistently for some time. This may cause your blood pressure to rise dramatically, which can be harmful. If you want to discontinue taking Avapro, your provider can help you do so safely by gradually lowering your dosage.

Do not use it if you are pregnant. Stop taking the medication and notify your doctor straight once if you become pregnant. If you take Avapro during your second or third trimester, your unborn baby may be injured or die. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Avapro. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to feed your infant.