Aliskiren (a-lis-KYE-ren)

Treats high blood pressure.

Brand Name(s):

Tekturna

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Pellet, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine the same way and at the same time every day. Take it routinely with or without food. Do not take with a high-fat meal.
• Pellet: Do not swallow the capsule whole. Empty the contents of a capsule into a spoon. Swallow the pellets right away with milk (dairy or soy-based) or water. You may also mix the pellets with 1 or more teaspoons of vanilla pudding, vanilla ice cream, milk, or water. Do not chew or crush the pellets.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in its original container.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you have diabetes and are also taking another blood pressure medicine (ACE inhibitor or ARB). Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine or itraconazole.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how aliskiren works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Diuretic (water pill, including furosemide)
  • NSAIDs (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel disease (including heart failure or a history of a heart attack), or diabetes.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Angioedema (severe swelling), including head and neck swelling
  • Low blood pressure
  • Kidney problems
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088