WHAT IS Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE/Microzide; IRBESARTAN/Avalide is a combination of a drug that relaxes blood vessels and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

You must visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your doctor or health care professional.

You must not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with him or her 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 medicine.

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

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 can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine 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.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

• prescription pain medicines
• lithium/Lithobid
• corticosteroids like prednisone/Sterapred
• some cholesterol lowering medicines like cholestyramine or colestipol
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen/Motrin
• diuretics like triamterene, spironolactone/Aldactone or amiloride
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
• diabetic medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

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

• fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• persistent dry cough
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• worsened gout pain
• dark urine
• muscle cramps
• breathing problems
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

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

• headache
• change in sex drive or performance

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Avalide/Irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide?

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

• liver disease
• decreased urine
• if you are on a special diet, like a low salt diet
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• immune system problems, like lupus
• breast-feeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to irbesartan/Avalide , hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• kidney disease

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.