AVAPRO (IRBESARTAN)

Why Avapro is Prescribed

Avapro is a prescription medication that is taken to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Most won’t even be aware they have anything going on in their body that could potentially be dangerous. Regular doctor exams are usually how people find out they have hypertension and need to either adjust their lifestyle or take medication, or both.

You may only need to take Avapro or generic Irbesartan temporarily if you can change your bad eating habits, become more active and exercise to lose some weight, and throw away your tobacco products, but this is not an easy task. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Avapro Works

Avapro contains Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug. Angiotensin II is a chemical naturally found in the body that is responsible for contracting the muscles in blood vessels. Avapro prevents angiotensin II from binding to certain receptors, which allows the blood vessels to open up, thus improving blood flow throughout the body.

Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also increases the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels.

What are the Effects of Hypertension?

High blood pressure (HBP) increases the workload of your heart and eventually can damage your arteries and other organs if this condition goes undiagnosed and untreated. As the blood vessels become damaged inside from the sheer force of the blood flow, small lesions and rough spots can form. This is where plaque and other substances can become snagged on and will continue to build up until the vessel is blocked. Depending on where the blocked blood vessel is, you could have a stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage/failure.

Before You Take Avapro

You should advise your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely take Avapro: kidney disease; liver disease, congestive heart failure; if you are dehydrated. Discuss any OTC and Rx drug, herbal remedies, and vitamin/dietary supplements you currently take or use so your doctor can determine if Avapro is the right medication for you. Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Avapro while pregnant or breast feeding.

Proper Use of Avapro

Until you know how Avapro will affect you, avoid driving or taking part in any activities that may be considered unsafe if you are dizzy or feeling sleepy. All medications should be kept out of children’s reach. Never share this or other medicine with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Avapro

• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Fatigue

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), unusual change in the amount of urine.