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?
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
What is aliskiren?
Aliskiren is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in people who are at least 6 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg).
Aliskiren may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aliskiren?
You should not take aliskiren if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not take aliskiren together with certain heart or blood pressure medicines, such as:
- azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, or valsartan; or
- benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
Do not give aliskiren to children younger than 2 years old.
You may also need to avoid taking these heart or blood pressure medicines with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- an allergic reaction to any blood pressure medicine;
- heart problems;
- diabetes;
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester.
Do not breastfeed.
How should I take aliskiren?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take aliskiren with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking aliskiren. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood may also need to be tested often.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Keep the medicine in the original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking aliskiren?
Avoid taking this medicine with a high-fat meal, or it could be harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
What are the possible side effects of aliskiren?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- kidney problems --swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
- high blood potassium --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea.
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 aliskiren?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect aliskiren, especially:
- any other heart or blood pressure medicines;
- cyclosporine;
- itraconazole;
- a diuretic or "water pill"; or
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect aliskiren. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about aliskiren.
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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