Avapro (Irbesartan)

Avapro is used for treating high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines. It is also used for treating kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Avapro is an angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist. It works by decreasing certain chemicals in the body, which cause blood vessels to narrow and sodium and fluids to be stored in the kidneys.

Do not use Avapro if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Avapro;
• you are pregnant and past your third month.

• Avapro may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Avapro with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Avapro may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
• Avapro should not be used in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not take Avapro after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Avapro is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Avapro.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• anxiety; chest pain; diarrhea; dizziness; flu; headache; heartburn/indigestion; muscle injury; tiredness; muscle pain; nausea; nervousness; runny nose; sinus abnormality; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling; upper respiratory tract infection; urinary tract infection; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fast heartbeat; fainting.

Avapro is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.