What is Aliskiren-valsartan?

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

Valsartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

The combination of aliskiren and valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Aliskiren and valsartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aliskiren-valsartan?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren (Tekturna) or valsartan (Diovan), or if you are also taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune).

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

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• liver disease
• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)
• congestive heart failure
• heart disease or recent heart attack; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aliskiren and valsartan 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 aliskiren and valsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby.

Aliskiren-valsartan Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Aliskiren-valsartan?

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 like you might pass out; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling

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

• tired feeling
• stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
• stomach pain or upset, diarrhea, heartburn
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• muscle cramps

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.

Aliskiren-valsartan Interactions

What other drugs affect Aliskiren-valsartan?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially other blood pressure medications, or:

• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix)
• an antibiotic such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate)
• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con; or
• salt substitutes that contain potassium

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs not listed that can affect aliskiren and valsartan. 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.

What should I avoid while taking Aliskiren-valsartan?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of aliskiren and valsartan.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking aliskiren and valsartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Aliskiren-valsartan Dosage

How should I take Aliskiren-valsartan?

Take this medication 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 aliskiren and valsartan with a full glass of water.

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

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

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 aliskiren and valsartan. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure improves. For best results, keep using the medication as directed.

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 aliskiren and valsartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Aliskiren-valsartan?

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

Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heart rate, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Aliskiren-valsartan?

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.

Edited from everydayhealth.com