Drug Interactions between aliskiren / hydrochlorothiazide and avacopan

Food can affect the absorption of aliskiren from the intestine. Therefore, you should take aliskiren at the same time each day exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may take aliskiren with or without food, but take it the same way every time. This will help keep blood levels and effects of the medication steady. You should avoid drinking orange, apple, or grapefruit juice as much as possible during treatment with aliskiren. Studies have shown that drinking these juices regularly or within a short period before or after a dose of aliskiren can interfere with the absorption of the medication.

To ensure adequate absorption of the medication, avacopan should be taken with food. You should avoid or limit consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or any supplements that contain grapefruit extract during treatment with avacopan unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of avacopan. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, and liver problems. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of liver damage such as fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

HydroCHLOROthiazide and ethanol (alcohol) may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.