Eprosartan (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING

Do not take eprosartan if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking eprosartan, call your doctor immediately. Eprosartan may harm the fetus.

Why this medication is prescribed

Eprosartan is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Eprosartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

How this medication should be used

Eprosartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take eprosartan, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take eprosartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Eprosartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take eprosartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking eprosartan without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Eprosartan is also used sometimes to treat heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking eprosartan:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to eprosartan or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the following: diuretics ('water pills'). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Special dietary instructions

If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Eprosartan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• cough
• excessive tiredness
• stomach pain
• joint pain
• depression

Severe Side Effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting

Eprosartan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to eprosartan.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Teveten®

Brand names of combination products

• Teveten® HCT containing Eprosartan Mesylate and Hydrochlorothiazide