Teveten

Before taking eprosartan, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;

• have liver disease;

• are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; or

• are taking potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may not be able to take eprosartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Eprosartan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, eprosartan can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take eprosartan if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether eprosartan passes into breast milk. Do not take eprosartan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take eprosartan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

You can take eprosartan with or without food.

Do not stop taking eprosartan unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become much worse.

Store eprosartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking eprosartan and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• little or no urine.

Other side effects are less serious. Continue to take eprosartan and talk to your doctor if you experience

• diarrhea or upset stomach,

• muscle pain or cramps,

• swelling,

• dizziness,

• headache,

• insomnia, or

• congestion or cough (very unlikely).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take eprosartan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, eprosartan can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Eprosartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking eprosartan.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Eprosartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking eprosartan.

Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Eprosartan can affect potassium levels in your body.

Before taking eprosartan, tell your doctor if you

• take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;

• take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or

• use a salt substitute.

Eprosartan can affect potassium levels in your body. You may not be able to take eprosartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Eprosartan may cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with eprosartan or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an eprosartan overdose are not well known, but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain.