Aliskiren - Oral

Aliskiren is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control.

Take Aliskiren exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine always with or always without meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Aliskiren must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, throat, and lips) from a previous therapy with aliskiren
• angioedema that is inherited or due to an unknown reason

as Aliskiren may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Aliskiren, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Aliskiren.

Do not give this medicine to children below 2 years old unless instructed by the doctor.

Do not take Aliskiren together with other certain types of medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. ramipril, enalapril, irbesartan, valsartan) if you have diabetes and kidney disease.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• low volume of circulating fluids in the body
• heart problems e.g. weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood, recent heart attack
• diabetes
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Aliskiren to a child ≥6 years old. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, blood potassium levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.

If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.

Aliskiren may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, cough, joint pain, and skin itching.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
• muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
• severe dizziness or passing out

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Aliskiren together with other certain types of medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. ramipril, enalapril, irbesartan, valsartan) if you have diabetes and kidney disease.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
• water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, torasemide
• NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• verapamil (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
• potassium supplements or medicines containing potassium

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Aliskiren.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).

Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.