Bristol-Myers Squibb Avalide

Description

• Avalide, treats hypertension and lowers high blood pressure and reduces risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems 
• Avalide, contains two medications, Irbesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker that relaxes blood vessels to easy blood flow and Hydrochlorothiazide, a water pill that causes formation of more urine than usual to maintain salt-water balance
• Irbesartan–Hydrochlorothiazide, active ingredient used in similar drugs like, Co-Aprovel
• Avalide is available in dosage such as Irbesartan 150 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg,  Irbesartan 300 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg,  Irbesartan 300 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg
• Co-Aprovel is composed as red round conventional tablet and packed as 10 tablets per blister

Directions for Use
Irbesartan–Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken once a day with or without food, as prescribed by the doctor.

Do's and Don'ts

• Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors
• Contact the doctor in case have sunburned or have skin blisters/redness
• Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness
• Limit alcoholic beverages
• Do not share Co-Aprovel with others
• Perform medical tests like kidney function tests, blood mineral levels such as sodium/potassium periodically
• Do not double the dose to catch up
• Perform medical tests such as liver function tests periodically

Side Effects

• Common side effects: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, loss of appetite, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation
• Rare side effects: Confusion, weakness, drowsiness, fast and irregular heartbeats, fainting, seizures, muscle cramps, loss of water and mineral from the body

Precautions

• Before consuming this medicine, talk to the doctor about medical history of kidney disease, liver disease, gout, lupus
• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly 
• Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps
• Missed dose can be taken as soon as remembered
• Pregnant women should not consume Irbesartan–Hydrochlorothiazide
• Not suitable for breastfeeding women, Co-Aprovel may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant

Storage

• Store Irbesartan–Hydrochlorothiazide at controlled temperature between 25 to 30^oC
• Protect Co-Aprovel from direct sunlight and moisture
• Store medicines up in the closed cabinets out of sight of children and pets

Disposal

• Discard Co-Aprovel with unpalatable substances like kitty litter or coffee grounds in household trash
• Dispose Irbesartan–Hydrochlorothiazide with its original container
• Do not flush medicine in the toilet or pour into the drainage