Avapro

Warning:
Avapro can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using Avapro and immediately contact your physician.

Uses:
Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Other Uses:
Avapro may also be used to treat congestive heart failure or to prevent diabetic kidney problems.

How to Take:
Take Avapro by mouth as prescribed, and learn proper usage. Consult your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to continue taking Avapro even if you do not feel sick. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.

Side Effects:
Infrequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever, major change in the amount of urine eliminated. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, daibetes, allergies (especially drug allergies). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel dizzy. Caution is advised when Avapro is used in the elderly. Avapro can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using Avapro. It is not known if Avapro is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: other drugs for blood pressure (e.g., diuretics-"water pills"), aspirin or aspirin-related pain or fever drugs, drugs that can cause kidney problems (e.g., amphotericin, gentamicin). Do not take any over-the-counter medication for allergies or cough or colds without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Many of the products contain ingredients which may interact with the effects of Avapro. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat or dizziness.

Notes:
Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects. Learn how to monitor your pulse and blood pressure. Talk to your health care professional about this.

Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.