Avapro

(irbesartan)

In this factsheet:

• How does Avapro work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Avapro?
• What form(s) does Avapro come in?
• Who should NOT take Avapro?
• What side effects are possible with Avapro?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avapro?
• What other drugs could interact with Avapro?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Avapro work? What will it do for me?

Irbesartan belongs to a family of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor blockers. These medicines are used to lower high blood pressure and work by relaxing blood vessels.

Angiotensin II is a chemical that the body releases to cause the constriction of blood vessels. Irbesartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, resulting in the relaxation of the blood vessels. This relaxation causes the blood pressure to decrease. The full effects of irbesartan are usually seen within about 4 weeks. It can be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics (water pills, e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Avapro?

The usual starting dose of irbesartan is 150 mg daily at approximately the same time each day, with or without food (but taken in the same manner each day). The doctor may decide to increase the dose to 300 mg once a day if the blood pressure has not come down enough.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and to follow the doctor's instructions regarding monitoring blood pressure to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from the medication.. If you miss a dose but remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as possible and then go back to your regular dose. If it is more than 12 hours later than your usual dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medication at room temperature and protect it from moisture.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Avapro come in?

75 mg
Each white to off-white biconvex, oval tablet, with a heart shape debossed on one side and the digits "2771" on the other, contains irbesartan 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer 188, pregelatinized starch and silicon dioxide.

150 mg
Each white to off-white biconvex, oval tablet, with a heart shape debossed on one side and the digits "2772" on the other, contains irbesartan 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer 188, pregelatinized starch and silicon dioxide.

300 mg
Each white to off-white biconvex, oval tablet, with a heart shape debossed on one side and the digits "2773" on the other, contains irbesartan 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer 188, pregelatinized starch and silicon dioxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Avapro?

Irbesartan should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to irbesartan or any of the ingredients of the medication
• is pregnant

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