Generic Avapro (irbesartan) is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Generic Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications. Generic Avapro is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

Take Generic Avapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Generic Avapro may be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Generic Avapro: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Generic Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting; or
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Less serious Generic Avapro side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• heartburn, upset stomach;
• mild dizziness; or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Generic Avapro. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Generic Avapro, unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• a diuretic (water pill); or
• a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Generic Avapro.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Generic Avapro out of the reach of children and away from pets.