Tekturna

Product Information Change Font Size The following information is a summary about Tekturna. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions. What is aliskiren? 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. Aliskiren is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Aliskiren may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about aliskiren? Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aliskiren could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Before you take aliskiren, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, gout, diabetes, heart disease, or if you are on a low-salt diet. If you take aliskiren with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren. Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking aliskiren. Drink plenty of water daily while you are taking this medication. 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? Do not use this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren. Before using aliskiren, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); gout; diabetes; heart disease; or if you are on a low-salt diet. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use aliskiren, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. FDA pregnancy category D. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aliskiren could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. 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 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 this medication 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. 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. Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking aliskiren. Drink plenty of water daily while you are taking this medication. 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. Store aliskiren at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? 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. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an aliskiren overdose may include feeling light-headed or fainting. What should I avoid while taking aliskiren? Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of aliskiren. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking aliskiren, unless your doctor has told you to. Aliskiren side effects 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. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: feeling light-headed, fainting; nausea with slow uneven heart rate and a weak pulse; or swelling around your eyes. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as: 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. What other drugs will affect aliskiren? The following drugs can interact with aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these: furosemide (Lasix); antibiotics such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); 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 there may be other drugs not listed that can affect aliskiren. 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. Where can I get more information? Your 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 only use this medication for the condition prescribed.