Product Details

Product Information Irbesartan 150mg Tablets

What you need to know before you take Irbesartan

Do not take Irbesartan • if you are allergic to irbesartan or any other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) • if you are more than 3 months pregnant. (It is also better to avoid Irbesartan in early pregnancy – see pregnancy section) • if you have diabetes or impaired kidney function and you are treated with a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before taking Irbesartan and if any of the following apply to you: • if you get excessive vomiting or diarrhoea • if you suffer from kidney problems • if you suffer from heart problems • if you receive Irbesartan for diabetic kidney disease. In this case your doctor may perform regular blood tests, especially for measuring blood potassium levels in case of poor kidney function • if you develop low blood sugar levels (symptoms may include sweating, weakness, hunger, dizziness, trembling, headache, flushing or paleness, numbness, having a fast, pounding heart beat), particularly if you are being treated for diabetes. • if you are going to have an operation (surgery) or be given anaesthetics • if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure: • an ACE inhibitor (for example enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril), in particular if you have diabetes-related kidney problems. • aliskiren Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and the amount of electrolytes (e.g. potassium) in your blood at regular intervals. See also information under the heading “Do not take Irbesartan”. You must tell your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. Irbesartan is not recommended in early pregnancy, and must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used at that stage (see pregnancy section). Children and adolescents This medicinal product should not be used in children and adolescents because the safety and efficacy have not yet been fully established. Other medicines and Irbesartan Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Your doctor may need to change your dose and/or to take other precautions: If you are taking an ACE-inhibitor or aliskiren (see also information under the headings “Do not take Irbesartan” and “Warnings and precautions”). You may need to have blood checks if you take: • potassium supplements • salt substitutes containing potassium • potassium-sparing medicines (such as certain diuretics) • medicines containing lithium • repaglinide (medication used for lowering blood sugar levels) If you take certain painkillers, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the effect of irbesartan may be reduced. Irbesartan with food and drink Irbesartan can be taken with or without food. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility Pregnancy You must tell your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Irbesartan before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant and will advise you to take another medicine instead of Irbesartan. Irbesartan is not recommended in early pregnancy, and must not be taken when more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used after the third month of pregnancy. Breast-feeding Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or about to start breast-feeding. Irbesartan is not recommended for mothers who are breast-feeding, and your doctor may choose another treatment for you if you wish to breast-feed, especially if your baby is newborn, or was born prematurely. Driving and using machines Irbesartan is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, occasionally dizziness or weariness may occur during treatment of high blood pressure. If you experience these, talk to your doctor before attempting to drive or use machines