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aliskiren and amlodipine

Pronunciation: AL is KYE ren and am LOE de peen
Brand: Tekamlo

What is the most important information I should know about this drug?

nopreg Do not use aliskiren and amlodipine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
donot You should not take this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren or amlodipine, or if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or itraconazole (Sporanox).

Before you take aliskiren and amlodipine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium or magnesium), if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a blood pressure medication.

finish Keep using this medicine as directed, 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.

What is this drug?

Aliskiren is an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication. It works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure.

Amlodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.

The combination of aliskiren and amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Aliskiren and amlodipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking this drug?

donot You should not take this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren or amlodipine, or if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or itraconazole (Sporanox).

To make sure you can safely take aliskiren and amlodipine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • liver disease;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
  • if you are on a low-salt diet; or
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a blood pressure medication, such as benazepril (Lotensin), candesartan (Atacand), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, Azor), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), telmisartan (Micardis, Twynsta), valsartan (Diovan, Exforge), and others.
nopreg FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use aliskiren and amlodipine if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Aliskiren and amlodipine can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking aliskiren and amlodipine.
nobrfeed It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking aliskiren and amlodipine.

How should I take this drug?

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.

emt Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking amlodipine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

Aliskiren and amlodipine may be taken with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

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). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

finish Keep using this medicine as directed, 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.
rt Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, severe dizziness, warmth or tingly feeling, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking this drug?

Avoid taking this medication with foods that are high in fat, which can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.

What are the possible side effects of this drug?

emt Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
donot Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
  • feeling like you might pass out; or
  • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • diarrhea;
  • stomach pain, upset stomach; or
  • 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.

What other drugs will affect this drug?

Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

  • atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin, Juvisync);
  • antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);
  • a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
  • salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
  • a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with aliskiren and amlodipine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about aliskiren and amlodipine.

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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