Generic Name: irbesartan ( ir be SAR tan)
Brand Names: Avapro
Avapro is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. It works by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in the body.
Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure. It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Avapro is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 (not insulin-dependent) diabetes.
Avapro may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
In rare cases, Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Before using Avapro, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
congestive heart failure; or
if you are dehydrated.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Avapro may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use Avapro without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Avapro 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.
Take Avapro exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
You may take Avapro with or without food.
To be sure Avapro is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store Avapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
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. In rare cases, Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects such as:
feeling like you might pass out;
painful or difficult urination;
chest pain, fast heart rate;
swelling in your hands or feet.
Less serious side effects may include:
runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
joint pain;
stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea;
mild itching or skin rash;
feeling anxious or nervous;
headache, dizziness; or
tired feeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before taking Avapro, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
a diuretic (water pill);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Avapro. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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