Drug Interaction Report

Using aliskiren together with valsartan may increase the risk of serious side effects such as kidney problems, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. These medications should generally not be used together, particularly if you are diabetic or have preexisting kidney problems. Other risk factors include advanced age, dehydration, severe heart failure, or recent heart attack. Talk to you doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important that you maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with these medications. Ask your doctor if it is necessary for you to limit consumption of potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes, raisins, figs, potatoes, lima beans, bananas, plantains, papayas, pears, cantaloupes, mangoes, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, tingling of the hands and feet, feelings of heaviness in the legs, a weak pulse, or a slow or irregular heartbeat, as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia. 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.

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Using atorvastatin together with aliskiren can increase the effects of aliskiren. You should be advised to contact your doctor if you experience excessive side effects of aliskiren such as dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests if your use both medications. 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.

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Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You should limit your consumption of grapefruit juice to no more than 1 quart per day during treatment with atorvastatin. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. 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.

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If you are taking valsartan you should avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. This can cause high levels of potassium in your blood. High levels of potassium can cause weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

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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.

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