Tekturna

Generic Name: aliskiren (a LIS ke rin)

What is Tekturna?

Tekturna is an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication. It works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure.

Tekturna is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Tekturna may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Tekturna

Do not use Tekturna without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Tekturna could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before you take Tekturna, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, gout, diabetes, heart disease, or if you are on a low-salt diet.

If you take Tekturna with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb Tekturna.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking Tekturna. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Before taking Tekturna

Do not use Tekturna if you are allergic to aliskiren.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Tekturna:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

gout;

diabetes;

heart disease; or

if you are on a low-salt diet.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Tekturna could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Tekturna passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Tekturna?

Take Tekturna exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take Tekturna with a full glass of water.

You may take Tekturna with or without food, but take it the same way every time.

If you take Tekturna with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb Tekturna.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking Tekturna. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store Tekturna at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an Tekturna overdose may include feeling light-headed or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Tekturna?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Tekturna. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Tekturna, unless your doctor has told you to.

Tekturna side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling light-headed, fainting;

nausea with slow uneven heart rate and a weak pulse; or

swelling around your eyes.

Less serious Tekturna side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

stomach pain or upset, diarrhea, heartburn;

itching or skin rash;

headache, dizziness, tired feeling;

back pain, joint pain or swelling; or

stuffy nose, sore throat, cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tekturna?

The following drugs can interact with Tekturna. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

atorvastatin (Lipitor);

cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

furosemide (Lasix);

antibiotics such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;

salt substitutes that contain potassium; or

a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs not listed that can affect Tekturna. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.