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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aliskiren?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
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.
Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea,
heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your
doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren. 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 of aliskiren?
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.
Where can I get more information about aliskiren?
Your pharmacist has information about aliskiren written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of aliskiren?
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. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea,
heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your
doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren. Tell
your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
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.
What other drugs will affect aliskiren?
The following drugs can interact with aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
-
atorvastatin (Lipitor);
-
cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
-
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of aliskiren?