High blood pressure is a very common health challenge that many people face every day. To help keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure under control, your doctor may prescribe different types of medicines. One special medicine used for this purpose is called Aliskiren.
If your doctor has prescribed Aliskiren for you, it is completely normal to have questions about how it works. This complete guide will explain everything you need to know in simple, easy-to-understand words so you can take your medicine safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Aliskiren is a special prescription medicine known as a renin inhibitor used to lower high blood pressure.
- Never take Aliskiren if you have diabetes and take certain other blood pressure medicines like ARBs or ACE inhibitors.
- Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant must avoid Aliskiren because it can harm an unborn baby.
- Always take your medicine at the exact same time every day, with or without food, as advised by your doctor.
- Watch out for serious side effects like swelling of the face or trouble breathing, and seek emergency help right away.
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What is Aliskiren?
Simply put, Aliskiren is a specialized medicine prescribed to lower high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medicines called renin inhibitors. To understand how it helps you, it helps to know a little bit about how your body works.
Your body has a natural system that regulates your blood pressure every single day. A key natural substance in this system is an enzyme called renin. Sometimes, this renin enzyme becomes too active, causing your blood vessels to tighten and narrow.
When your blood vessels narrow, your blood pressure goes up. Aliskiren steps in to directly block the activity of this renin enzyme. Once blocked, your blood vessels relax and widen, which allows blood to flow smoothly and lowers your blood pressure.
Aliskiren is sold under various brand names around the world. One of the most common and widely recognized brand names for this medicine is Tekturna.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Aliskiren
Before your doctor prescribes Aliskiren, they will ask you several questions about your medical history. It is very easy to forget important details during a busy clinic visit. Therefore, you must proactively share the following health facts with your doctor.
- If you have diabetes mellitus: This is extremely important. Special safety precautions are required when prescribing this medicine to patients with diabetes.
- If you have kidney disease: You must inform your doctor if you have any history of kidney problems or reduced kidney function.
- If you are dehydrated: Being severely dehydrated or lacking enough fluids in your body can make taking this medicine unsafe.
- If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant: This is a critical safety warning. If you are pregnant or planning to start a family soon, tell your doctor right away because this medicine can cause severe harm to an unborn baby.
- If you are breastfeeding: Let your doctor know if you are currently nursing your baby so they can advise you safely.
- If you have other allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Aliskiren, any other medicines, foods, or dyes.
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Taking your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes is vital for keeping your blood pressure stable. Follow these simple guidelines every single day.
- Take it at the same time: Try to take your medicine at the exact same time every day. Taking it at a consistent time—whether in the morning or at night—keeps a steady level of medicine in your body.
- With or without food: You can take this medicine either with food or on an empty stomach. The most important rule is to stay consistent. If you always take it after breakfast, keep doing that every day instead of mixing up your routine.
- Never stop on your own: Even if you feel great and your blood pressure numbers look normal, do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first. Keep taking it as directed.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
It is normal to sometimes forget to take a dose of your medicine. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose completely and continue with your normal schedule.
Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Taking a double dose can cause your blood pressure to drop too low and lead to unwanted health complications.
What to Do If You Take Too Much
If you accidentally take more Aliskiren than prescribed, do not panic, but act quickly. Call your local poison control center right away for guidance. In the US and Canada, call 911 or poison control at 1-800-222-1222. In the UK, call 999 or NHS 111. Alternatively, go straight to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Other Medicines That May Interact With Aliskiren
Certain other medicines you take can interact with Aliskiren. These interactions can make Aliskiren less effective, increase its strength, or cause harmful side effects. Always share a complete list of your current medicines and supplements with your doctor.
| Medicine or Substance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Other blood pressure medicines | Combining certain blood pressure pills with Aliskiren may be unsafe, especially for diabetes patients. |
| Potassium supplements | Taking these together can raise potassium levels in your blood to dangerous levels. |
| Salt substitutes containing potassium | These substitutes often have high potassium content and should not be used without medical advice. |
| Atorvastatin (cholesterol medicine) | An interaction can occur between these two medicines that requires careful monitoring. |
| Furosemide (water pill) | Aliskiren can sometimes decrease the effectiveness of Furosemide in your body. |
| Ketoconazole (antifungal medicine) | This medicine can increase the amount of Aliskiren in your bloodstream. |
Critical Safety Warning for Diabetes Patients
If you have diabetes mellitus and are already taking an ARB (angiotensin-receptor-blocker) or an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitor) such as Losartan, Telmisartan, Enalapril, or Ramipril, you must never take Aliskiren. Combining these medicines can cause severe damage to your kidneys. Always discuss this thoroughly with your doctor.
Potential Side Effects of Aliskiren
Just like any other prescription medicine, Aliskiren can cause side effects in some people. Some side effects are mild and go away on their own. This others require immediate medical attention.
| Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Doctor or Seek Help Right away) | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties | Trouble catching your breath or a tight feeling in your chest. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Feeling like your heart is racing, pounding, or beating irregularly. |
| Dizziness or fainting | Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or having sudden fainting spells. |
| Kidney warning signs | Passing much less urine than usual or having pain when urinating. |
| Other serious signs | Fever, sore throat, gout pain, or numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. |
| Common Milder Side Effects (Talk to Your Doctor If They Persist) | |
|---|---|
| Stomach upset | Mild abdominal cramps or loose stools (diarrhea). |
| Mild headache | A mild or dull headache that comes and goes. |
| Dry cough | A persistent tickle or dry cough that some people develop. |
| Fatigue | Feeling more tired or drained than usual during the day. |
How to Store Your Medicine Properly
Proper storage ensures your medicine remains safe and effective throughout its shelf life. Follow these simple storage rules at home.
- Keep away from children: Always store your prescription medicines in a secure cabinet well out of the reach of young children and household pets.
- Control the temperature: Keep your pills at normal room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F or 20°C to 25°C). Protect them away from excessive heat, bright sunlight, and humid areas like bathrooms.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed: Ensure the cap on your medicine bottle is tightly sealed after every use. Do not throw away the small packet of silica gel inside the bottle; it absorbs moisture and keeps your pills dry.
- Check expiration dates: Regularly check the expiration date printed on your medicine packaging and safely discard any expired medicines.
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