COZAAR
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING COZAAR.
ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Diovan, Micardis, Teveten
WARNING:
COZAAR can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six
months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using COZAAR and
immediately contact your physician.
USES:
COZAAR is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works
by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. High blood pressure
reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
OTHER USES:
COZAAR may also be used to treat congestive heart failure or to
prevent diabetic kidney problems.
HOW TO TAKE COZAAR:
Take COZAAR by mouth as prescribed, and learn proper usage. Consult
your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely.
Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this
without first consulting your doctor. Before using potassium
supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to continue taking COZAAR even if you do not feel
sick. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Infrequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset,
stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your
body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or
worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report
promptly:
abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual
fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever, major change in the amount of
urine eliminated. In the unlikely event you have an allergic
reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of
an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney or liver
disease, congestive heart failure, daibetes, allergies (especially
drug allergies). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising
from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your
intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects.
Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication
causes you to feel dizzy. Caution is advised when COZAAR is used in
the elderly. COZAAR can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not
recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using
COZAAR. It is not known if COZAAR is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription
medication you may take including:
other drugs for blood pressure (e.g., diuretics-"water
pills"), aspirin or aspirin-related pain or fever drugs, drugs
that can cause kidney problems (e.g., amphotericin, gentamicin). Do
not take any over-the-counter medication for allergies or cough or
colds without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Many of the
products contain ingredients which may interact with the effects of
COZAAR. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
unusually fast or slow heartbeat or dizziness.
NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is
working properly and to monitor for possible side effects. Learn how
to monitor your pulse and blood pressure. Talk to your health care
professional about this.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if
it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30
degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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