Inspra

Inspra

     * Generic Name: eplerenone
     * Brand Name: Inspra


     * What is eplerenone (Inspra)?
     * What are the possible side effects of this drug (Inspra)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       eplerenone (Inspra)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       eplerenone (Inspra)?
     * How should I take eplerenone (Inspra)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Inspra)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Inspra)?
     * What should I avoid while taking eplerenone (Inspra)?
     * What other drugs will affect eplerenone (Inspra)?
     * Where can I get more information (Inspra)?

What is eplerenone (Inspra)?

   Eplerenone blocks the actions of the hormone aldosterone in the
   body. Aldosterone is important for the regulation of blood pressure.

   Eplerenone is used to treat congestive heart failure after a
   heart attack. Eplerenone is also used to treat high blood
   pressure (hypertension).

   Eplerenone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of this drug (Inspra)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your
   face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * diarrhea, vomiting;
     * little or no urination;
     * fast or uneven heartbeats;
     * trouble breathing;
     * swelling in your feet or lower legs;
     * high potassium--nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness,
       loss of movement; or
     * low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats,
       fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination,
       numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * high potassium;
     * headache; or
     * dizziness.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about eplerenone
(Inspra)?

   You may not be able to take this medicine if you have severe kidney
   disease, high potassium levels in your blood, or type 2 diabetes
   with increased levels of albumin (a protein) in your urine.

   Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used
   together with eplerenone. Tell each of your healthcare providers about
   all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.

   Inspra Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking eplerenone
(Inspra)?

   You may not be able to take this medicine if you are allergic to
   eplerenone, or if you have:
     * high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia);
     * severe kidney disease; or
     * type 2 diabetes with increased levels of albumin (a protein) in
       your urine.

   Some medicines can interact with eplerenone and should not be used at
   the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if
   you use any of the following drugs:
     * imatinib;
     * isoniazid;
     * nefazodone;
     * a diuretic or "water pill"--amiloride, spironolactone,
       triamterene;
     * an antibiotic--clarithromycin, telithromycin;
     * antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole,
       voriconazole;
     * heart medication--nicardipine, quinidine; or
     * antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS--atazanavir,
       boceprevir, cobicistat, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir,
       nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

   To make sure eplerenone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * kidney disease;
     * liver disease;
     * high cholesterol or triglycerides; or
     * if you take other heart or blood pressure medications.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   It is not known whether eplerenone passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

How should I take eplerenone (Inspra)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Eplerenone may be taken with or without food.

   While using eplerenone, you may need blood tests, and your blood
   pressure will need to be checked often.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
   your life.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Inspra Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Inspra)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Inspra)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking eplerenone (Inspra)?

   Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are
   taking eplerenone, unless your doctor has told you to.

What other drugs will affect eplerenone (Inspra)?

   Many drugs can interact with eplerenone, and some drugs should not be
   used together. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your
   doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop
   using, especially:
     * aprepitant;
     * cimetidine;
     * cyclosporine;
     * haloperidol;
     * imatinib;
     * an antibiotic--ciprofloxacin, doxycycline,
       erythromycin, metronidazole, norfloxacin, tetracycline;
     * antifungal medicine--clotrimazole, fluconazole, voriconazole;
     * an antidepressant--desipramine, sertraline;
     * heart or blood pressure medicine--amiodarone, benazepril,
       diltiazem, dronedarone, enalapril, lidocaine,
       lisinopril, olmesartan, valsartan, verapamil, and
       others;
     * HIV/AIDS medicine--atazanavir, fosamprenavir, efavirenz, darunavir
       when given with ritonavir, saquinavir; or
     * NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen
       (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib,
       diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   eplerenone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Inspra)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about eplerenone.
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