Avapro

• This drug can cause serious and possibly fatal harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.
• Consult your medical provider for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication.
• If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your medical provider right away.

• Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
• Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
• Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your medical provider, usually once daily with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• Tell your medical provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens—for example, your blood pressure readings increase.

• Dizziness, lightheadedness or upset stomach may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or get worse, tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away.
• To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Anemia or low platelets. Get medical help right away if you have bleeding, bruising, pale skin.
• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
• Tell your medical provider right away if you experience fainting or symptoms of a high potassium blood level, such as muscle weakness or slow/irregular heartbeat. These side effects are unlikely but can be serious.
• Although Irbesartan may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, it may also cause or worsen serious kidney problems in rare cases. Your medical provider will check your kidney function while you are taking Irbesartan. Tell your medical provider right away if you have any signs of kidney problems, such as a change in the amount of urine.

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Irbesartan, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard and request a medical provider callback for more details.
• Angioedema is a rare but potential side effect. Symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or neck. This is not considered an allergic reaction and can occur any time during treatment. This swelling can compromise the airway and be life threatening. Patients with a personal or family history of angioedema are at higher risk. If you believe you may be at higher risk, discuss alternative treatment options with your medical provider.

• In rare cases, this product may cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, such as:

  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Yellowing eyes or skin
  • Dark urine

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • Dehydration
  • Liver disease
  • High levels of potassium in the blood
  • Kidney disease, including renal artery stenosis, aortic or mitral stenosis
• This drug may make you dizzy, which can be exacerbated by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical provider if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
• This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your medical provider or pharmacist.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
• Tell your medical provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Irbesartan, as it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your medical provider right away about the risks and benefits of this medication (see also “Warnings to be aware of” section).
• It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your medical provider before breastfeeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use—including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products—and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.

• Some products that may interact with this drug include:

  • Aliskiren
  • Certain antidepressants and antipsychotic medications
  • Lithium
  • Drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including Benazepril and Lisinopril, antibiotics such as Bactrim or birth control pills containing Drospirenone)

• Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely—especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids or NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen.

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the efficacy of this medicine. Talk to your medical provider or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
• Laboratory and/or medical tests like kidney function and potassium levels should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your medical provider for more details.
• Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure, and share the results with your medical provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information.