Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rasilez (Aliskiren).
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
February 4, 2014
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Rasilez (Aliskiren). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Diabetes: People with Type 2 Diabetes may be at higher risk of side effects such as kidney problems, Stroke, high potassium levels in the blood, and blood pressure that's too low. If you have type 2 diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Rasilez (Aliskiren) may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have type 2 diabetes and are also taking certain high blood pressure-lowering medications, you should not take Rasilez (Aliskiren) (see the "Who should not take Rasilez (Aliskiren)?" section). Talk to your doctor for more information.
Diarrhea: Stop taking Rasilez (Aliskiren) and contact your doctor if you experience severe and persistent diarrhea.
Kidney problems: Rasilez (Aliskiren) may cause reduced kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Rasilez (Aliskiren) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rasilez (Aliskiren), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Rasilez (Aliskiren) is not recommended for people with severely reduced kidney function.
Liver problems: Rasilez (Aliskiren) may caused reduced liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low blood pressure: Rasilez (Aliskiren) can cause low blood pressure, especially for people who are taking other diuretics (water pills), are receiving dialysis, or have lost fluid from diarrhea and vomiting. If you feel dizzy and lightheaded while taking Rasilez (Aliskiren), lie down until these symptoms go away and contact your doctor.
Other blood pressure medications: When combined with blood pressure medications in the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) family or the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) family, Rasilez (Aliskiren) has been linked to stroke, severely low blood pressure and decreased kidney function. If you are taking a medication in either of these families, avoid taking Rasilez (Aliskiren) until you speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy: Rasilez (Aliskiren) may cause harm to the developing baby if Rasilez (Aliskiren) is taken by the mother while pregnant. It should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Rasilez (Aliskiren), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Rasilez (Aliskiren) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Rasilez (Aliskiren), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding or taking Rasilez (Aliskiren).
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Rasilez (Aliskiren) are unknown for children under the age of 18.
