Key facts about Avapro
What is Avapro?
Avapro is the brand name for irbesartan and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Avapro available in?
Avapro is available as a 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg oral tablet.
What is Avapro used for?
Avapro is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure and to slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes.
How does Avapro work?
Avapro is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which blocks a chemical that tightens your blood vessels. This causes your blood vessels to relax and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart and other parts of your body.
How do I take Avapro?
Avapro is typically taken by mouth once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Avapro?
Avapro is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take aliskiren along with Avapro if you have diabetes.
Avapro Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Avapro include:
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position
- Feeling tired
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
Avapro Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Avapro. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Angioedema (severe swelling): swelling of the face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, unexplained weight gain, or swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Avapro
The following medications may interact with Avapro:
- NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors – Can lead to increased risk of kidney impairment and reduced antihypertensive effect
- Lithium – Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity
Who makes Avapro?
Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
Is Avapro safe in pregnancy?
Avapro may cause harm to your unborn baby and should be discontinued as soon as possible if you become pregnant.
