Aliskiren; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ Tablet

What is this medicine?

ALISKIREN; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (a lis KYE ren; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of a renin inhibitor and a diuretic. It treats high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. However, you should always take it the same way each time. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the hands, feet, face, lips, throat, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• eye pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever or sore throat

• gout pain

• low blood pressure

• muscle pain or cramps

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• cough

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• flu-like symptoms

• headache

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• atorvastatin

• barbiturates

• cholestyramine

• colestipol

• digoxin

• dofetilide

• furosemide

• irbesartan

• lithium

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• potassium supplements

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medicine dry. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• diabetes

• gout

• kidney disease or kidney stones

• liver disease

• pancreatitis

• small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aliskiren, hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

Women should inform their health care provider if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, especially in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

This drug may increase your blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or drugs are needed if you have diabetes.

If you have diabetes and take a drug known as an ACE inhibitor or ARB, do not take this drug. Talk to your health care provider if questions.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this drug without asking your health care provider for advice. Some drugs may increase your blood pressure.

Check with your doctor or health care provider if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this drug.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about other dietary needs.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this drug. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this drug.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.