aliskiren
| Pronunciation: | a LIS ke rin |
| Brand: | Tekturna |
Tekturna 150 mg
round, pink, imprinted with NVR, IL
Tekturna 300 mg
oval, red, imprinted with NVR, IU
What is the most important information I should know about aliskiren?
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Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. |
Before you take aliskiren, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a heart or blood pressure medication.
If you take aliskiren with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking aliskiren?
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You should not take aliskiren if you are allergic to it. |
To make sure you can safely take aliskiren, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- heart disease;
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor medication such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
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FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. |
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It is not known whether aliskiren passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How should I take aliskiren?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
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Take aliskiren with a full glass of water. |
You may take aliskiren with or without food, but take it the same way every time.
If you take aliskiren with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
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Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Overdose symptoms may include feeling light-headed or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking aliskiren?
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Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of aliskiren. |
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Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking aliskiren, unless your doctor has told you to. |
What are the possible side effects of aliskiren?
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Stop taking aliskiren and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
If you have an allergic reaction to aliskiren you should not take it again.
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Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- feeling light-headed, fainting;
- nausea with slow uneven heart rate and a weak pulse; or
- swelling around your eyes.
Less serious side effects may include:
- stomach pain or upset, diarrhea, heartburn;
- itching or skin rash;
- headache, dizziness, tired feeling;
- back pain, joint pain or swelling; or
- stuffy nose, sore throat, cough.
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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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