Avapro
® (
irbesartan) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short.
Avapro is manufactured and sold through a partnership between two pharmaceutical companies -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and sanofi-aventis.
Uses of Avapro include:
However, this medication is not a cure for high
blood pressure or diabetic nephropathy, nor has it been approved for use in children.
Avapro is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers.
As the name implies, the drug blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Avapro causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
A
blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the
systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the
diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Avapro, systolic
blood pressure decreased on average by 8 to 12 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5 to 8 mmHg on average. Certain factors, such as dosage, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
This medication has also been shown to slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take Avapro include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day.
- Avapro may be taken with or without food.
- Avapro should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Avapro your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition it is being prescribed for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking
- How you respond to the drug.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Avapro Dosage for more information about dosing guidelines.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Avapro. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Dizziness (in people with diabetic nephropathy).
(Click Avapro Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects by clicking the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Avapro?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without talking to your healthcare provider first.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Avapro may have overdose symptoms that could include an extremely low
blood pressure or increased heart rate.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Avapro Be Stored?
Avapro should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should also be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Avapro as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
Avapro tablets are available in several strengths, including:
- Avapro 75 mg
- Avapro 150 mg
- Avapro 300 mg.
Avapro is not currently available in generic form
(see Generic Avapro for more information).
