Aliskiren tablets

What are Aliskiren tablets?
ALISKIREN is a renin inhibitor. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
�electrolyte imbalance (example: low or high level of potassium in the blood)
�if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (example: you use salt substitutes)
�heart diesase
�kidney disease
�liver disease
�previous history of swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
�an unusual or allergic reaction to Aliskiren, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
�pregnant or trying to get pregnant
�breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?
Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food, but try to take it the same way every time. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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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 drug(s) may interact with Aliskiren?
�atorvastatin
�dietary salt substitutes (these may contain potassium)
�ketoconazole
�medicines to treat high blood pressure, including diuretics
�potassium supplements

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Aliskiren?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
�fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
�dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
�headache
�low blood pressure
�numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
�severe diarrhea
�swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat

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

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What should I watch for while taking Aliskiren?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice an uneven or fast heart beat.

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you get severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

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