Uses
What is aliskiren used for?
Aliskiren is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Aliskiren may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does aliskiren work (mechanism of action)?
Aliskiren causes your blood vessels to relax so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is aliskiren supplied (dosage forms)?
Aliskiren is available as Tekturna and generic aliskiren in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 150 mg oral tablets
- 300 mg oral tablets
How should I store aliskiren?
Aliskiren should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of aliskiren?
The most common side effects of aliskiren are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
There may be other side effects of aliskiren that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of aliskiren?
While less common, the most serious side effects of aliskiren are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Angioedema. Aliskiren may cause a reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If it is causing problems breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Aliskiren may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking aliskiren. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Aliskiren can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Severe Allergic Reactions. Aliskiren may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking aliskiren and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use aliskiren?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take aliskiren.
- Tekturna
- Aliskiren
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific aliskiren products they stock.
Children Under the Age of Two Years. Aliskiren should not be taken by children under the age of 2 years due to concerns for high drug levels in the body.
Drug Interactions. Aliskiren should not be taken while you are using certain other medicine and you have diabetes. Before taking aliskiren, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about aliskiren before using it?
Do not take aliskiren unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share aliskiren with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep aliskiren out of the reach of children.
Aliskiren can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how aliskiren affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using aliskiren?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if aliskiren is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Imbalanced electrolytes
- Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Pregnancy. Aliskiren can cause death or serious harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking aliskiren right away and contact your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if aliskiren passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take aliskiren while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does aliskiren interact with foods or drinks?
Taking aliskiren with high-fat meals decreases the absorption of the medicine.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect aliskiren. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking aliskiren.
Does aliskiren interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking aliskiren.
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with aliskiren. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much aliskiren?
If you or someone else has used too much aliskiren, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of aliskiren?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Aliskiren (Tekturna)?
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