Irbesartan Side Effects

Brand Names: Avapro

Please note - some side effects for Irbesartan may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Irbesartan - for the Consumer

Irbesartan

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Irbesartan:

Diarrhea; dizziness; tiredness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, eyes, mouth, face, lips, or tongue; hoarseness); change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; dark urine; difficulty swallowing; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or cramps; severe or persistent stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); severe or persistent tiredness; symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, fainting, severe dizziness, lightheadedness); vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide:

Dizziness; nausea; tiredness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion; decrease in sexual ability; depression; drowsiness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; decreased urination; hoarseness; muscle pain, tenderness, or cramps; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; restlessness; seizures; severe or persistent dry mouth; severe or persistent vomiting; shortness of breath; swelling of the arms or legs; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported the most frequently. These have included diarrhea (3% vs. 2% with placebo), dyspepsia (2% vs. 1% with placebo), abdominal pain (1% or greater), nausea (1% or greater), and vomiting (1% or greater). Pancreatitis has been reported. Constipation, gastroenteritis, flatulence, and abdominal distension have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Dryness of mouth, pyrosis, and epigastralgia have been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects for irbesartan in relation to placebo have included aches (2% vs. 1%) and pains (2% vs. 1%). Peripheral edema, muscle cramps, arthralgias, musculoskeletal chest pain, joint stiffness, bursitis, and muscle weakness have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Rarely, rhabdomyolysis has been reported in postmarketing experience in patients receiving angiotensin II receptor blockers. Myalgia has been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included fatigue (4%) and headache (12%). Dizziness, numbness, somnolence, paresthesias, tremor, transient ischemic attack, and stroke have been reported at a frequency less than or similar to placebo. Lethargy and paresis has been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have been reported rarely. These have included orthostatic hypotension (0.4%), chest pain, edema, dizziness, sinus arrhythmia, and tachycardia. Flushing, hypertension, cardiac murmur, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, cardiorespiratory arrest, and hypertensive crisis have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Syncope or vertigo have been reported in rates less than or similar to placebo. Bradycardia has been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience.

Orthostatic hypotension may be more likely in patients with intravascular volume or salt depletion.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects for irbesartan in relation to placebo have included upper respiratory tract infections (9% vs. 6%). Pharyngitis, rhinitis, tracheobronchitis, pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, and wheezing have been reported in rates less than or similar to placebo.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have rarely included rashes. De novo development or exacerbation of psoriasis has been reported. Pruritus, dermatitis, ecchymosis, facial erythema, and urticaria have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Facial edema and sweating have been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience. In one case report, a patient developed a polycyclic erythematous rash after two years of treatment with irbesartan. Associated symptoms included anorexia, weight loss, fever, rigors, and abnormal liver function tests. Following discontinuation of irbesartan, the patient improved within 24 to 48 hours and made a complete recovery.

Endocrine

Endocrinologic side effects have been reported rarely. Sexual dysfunction, alterations in libido, and attacks of gouty arthritis have been reported in less than 1% of patients.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects including abnormal urination and prostate problems have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Urinary retention and oliguria have been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience. At least one case of penile angioedema has also been reported.

Renal

Renal side effects have rarely included new or worsened renal insufficiency.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have rarely included cholestatic jaundice. Hepatitis has been reported in postmarketing experience.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects including nightmares and hallucinations have been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience. Anxiety, nervousness, depression, emotional problems, and sleep disturbances have been reported at a frequency less than or similar to placebo.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions including allergic reactions have been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience.

General

General side effects including fever, chills, ear pain, and eyelid or ear abnormalities have been reported in less than 1% of patients. General discomfort has been reported in less than 1% of patients in postmarketing experience.

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