Aliskiren (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING
Do not take aliskiren if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking aliskiren, call your doctor immediately. Aliskiren may harm the fetus.

Why this medication is presribed
Aliskiren is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Aliskiren is in a class of medications called direct renin inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood vessels relax and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

How this medication should be used
Aliskiren comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Aliskiren should be taken the same way each time, either always with food or always without food. Take aliskiren at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aliskiren exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on an low dose of aliskiren and may increase your dose after you have been taking this medication for at least two weeks.

Aliskiren controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take aliskiren even if you feel well. Do not stop taking aliskiren without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special Precautions
Before taking aliskiren:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aliskiren or any other medications.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral); atorvastatin (Lipitor); diuretics ('water pills') such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and furosemide (Lasix); irbesartan (Avapro); and other medications for heart disease or high blood pressure. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, seizures, or kidney disease.
 * tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Do not breastfeed while taking aliskiren.
 * you should know that aliskiren may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy, and call your doctor right away.

Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Aliskiren may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * diarrhea
 * stomach pain
 * heartburn
 * cough
 * rash

Severe Side Effects
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
 * hoarseness
 * difficulty swallowing or breathing
 * lightheadedness
 * fainting

Aliskiren may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle, if one has been provided. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:


 * fainting
 * dizziness
 * blurred vision
 * nausea

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Tekturna®