Prescription Required
Description
What is Avapro (Irbesartan) prescribed for?
High blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessels walls. Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to the hardening of arteries, stroke, kidney disease and to heart failure.
Avapro is a treatment used to help with high blood pressure and can help protect the kidney’s from damage due to diabetes. Lowering high blood pressure helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. Irbesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, so that the blood may flow more easily.
Read any and all information give to you about this medication by your doctor. And if you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, it is best to consult your doctor.
Directions
Take this medication by mouth, with our without food, as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily. Remember those dosage given to your by your doctor is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment.
It is important to take this medication, even if you feel well. Notify your doctor if your condition remains the same or worsens.
Cautions
Before taking irbesartan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, severe loss of body water and minerals (dehydration).
This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or upset stomach may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).
Although irbesartan may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, it may also rarely cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking irbesartan. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
FAQs
What is Avapro?
Avapro is an antihypertensive medication. It comes in the form of a tablet for oral administration in three strengths; 75, 150, and 300mg of irbesartan. Internationally, Avapro is called Karvea; this medication is available as both the brand and the generic alternative at My Drug Center, accessible with a valid prescription.
What is Irbesartan?
Irbesartan is the active ingredient found inside Avapro responsible for its therapeutic effects. Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist; which may also be known as angiotensin receptor blockers, ARB’s, or receptor antagonists. This drug is taken by mouth, metabolized in the liver, and excreted through your kidneys (20%) and feces (65%), with a half-life ranging between 11-15 hours. Irbesartan is a drug which relaxes blood vessels and promotes smoother blood flow.
What is Irbesartan used for?
Irbesartan (Avapro) is used as treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) due to its affect on blood vessels. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of blood against blood vessel walls; when blood pressure is high; it puts extra strain on the heart and poses multiple health complications. Using Irbesartan can help reduce the risk of these complications by lowering blood pressure; this may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease (harmful build up of plaque in the arteries of the heart).
How long does Irbesartan stay in your system?
The exact amount of time will vary between each individual, but there is a way to determine the average amount of time it will take to clear the system. It takes a medication about 5 half-lives before it is no longer in your body; a half-life represents the length of time it takes for half (50%) of the medication to clear the system. With a half-life of 11-15 hours, you can expect the medication to clear out of your system between 55 – 75 hours (roughly 2 – 3 days).
Who makes Avapro?
Avapro is manufactured by a French pharmaceutical company called Sanofi (Sanofi-Aventis) and marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, an American pharmaceutical company.
When will Avapro go generic?
Avapro is already available as a generic alternative. As of March 30, 2012, Teva Pharmaceuticals was the first company in the United States to manufacture the generic alternative. Following shortly behind, many other generic manufacturing companies began marketing their own generic forms as well. Today, there are over a dozen different generic manufactures that produce and market generic Avapro.
What is the generic for Avapro?
The generic for Avapro can be found under the name of the active ingredient; irbesartan. You can purchase the generic alternative for Avapro at My Drug Center in all three strengths the brand-name medication is available in; 75, 150, and 300mg. To order this medication, you will require a valid prescription signed by your doctor.
What are the side effects of Avapro?
The most common side effects of Avapro may include dizziness, lightheadedness, or upset stomach. These side effects occur while your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects like diarrhea, heartburn, or feeling tired may also occur. These side effects should not alarm you; other side effects not listed may also occur. If side effects persist or become worse over time, consult your doctor about alternative medications.
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