Avapro (Irbesartan)

Chemical Name: IRBESARTAN (ir-be-SAR-tan)

AVAPRO belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers (ARB) which have been proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure. AVAPRO is prescribed to treat a condition known as hypertension or high blood pressure. It may also be prescribed if high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus are present, to protect your kidney function. AVAPRO lowers blood pressure by specifically blocking a natural substance called angiotensin II, which normally narrows your blood vessels. Treatment with AVAPRO allows the blood vessels to relax. In addition, recent studies have shown that AVAPRO protects your kidneys by reducing protein in the urine. This in turn slows the progression of your kidney disease.

Directions

Take AVAPRO exactly as prescribed by your doctor and strictly follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dose to obtain optimal results.

AVAPRO may be taken with or without food. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Avapro even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Cautions

To make sure you can safely take AVAPRO, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• congestive heart failure
• if you are dehydrated
• are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
• breastfeeding or planning on breastfeeding
• allergic to any chemicals contained in AVAPRO

Side Effects

AVAPRO helps most people with high blood pressure, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not.

Some common side effects of AVAPRO are:

• headache
• dizziness or light-headedness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• fatigue
• nausea/vomiting

Serious side effects of AVAPRO include:

• feeling like you might pass out
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• drowsiness/confusion
• mood changes
• increased thirst or loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• swelling
• weight gain
• shortness of breath

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your physician for medical advice about additional side effects.