What is the most important information I should know about Avapro?

If you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment, do not take Avapro. This medication can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Avapro 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 taking Avapro.

What is Avapro?

Avapro is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Avapro prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).

Avapro is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes).

Avapro may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Avapro?

Before taking Avapro, 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 a potassium supplement (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 Avapro, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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

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

How should I take Avapro?

Take Avapro 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 Avapro with or without food.

Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure or perform other tests to monitor the effects of this medication.

Do not stop taking Avapro without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Store Avapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

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

What should I avoid while taking Avapro?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Avapro 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 taking Avapro.

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

What are the possible side effects of Avapro?

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

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

little or no urine.

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

diarrhea or upset stomach;

swelling;

muscle pain, cramps, or backache;

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.

What other drugs will affect Avapro?

Before taking Avapro, 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.

Avapro can affect potassium levels in the body. You may not be able to take Avapro, 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 for high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Avapro may cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.

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