How to Take This Medicine

The typical initial dose is a 150 mg tablet taken once daily. However, certain individuals might require a reduced starting dose. Your healthcare provider will advise you if this adjustment is needed.

The complete effect of ABISART in lowering blood pressure is generally observed around 4 to 6 weeks after beginning the treatment. Based on how your blood pressure reacts, it might be necessary to increase your daily dosage of ABISART.

Most individuals are prescribed either 150 mg or 300 mg once a day. For those with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, a 300 mg daily dose is typically recommended to help slow the progression of related kidney disease.

If you are uncertain about the correct dosage for you, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They will provide precise instructions on the amount you should take. Adhere to the guidance given and continue taking ABISART until your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects

Some less severe side effects you might experience include headaches, feelings of dizziness or light-headedness, and unusual fatigue or weakness. Nausea and vomiting can also occur, along with low blood sugar levels. A reduction in red blood cells, known as anaemia, may present itself through symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath during physical activity, dizziness, and a pale appearance.

If any of these side effects are concerning, it is important to consult your doctor. Generally, these effects are mild and do not usually necessitate stopping the medication.

Important Warnings

If you have a known allergy to irbesartan or any other components listed at the end of this leaflet, ensure you verify the ingredients before using this medication.

Do not use Abisart if you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, or are planning to conceive. Similarly, avoid this medication while breastfeeding, as it is unclear if Abisart is excreted in breast milk.

Consult your healthcare provider if you have diabetes or kidney issues and are on blood pressure-lowering medications like ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, or Angiotensin-II receptor blockers.

Inform your doctor if you have any other health conditions, have experienced significant vomiting or diarrhea recently, have undergone a kidney transplant or dialysis, or have heart or liver issues.

Be cautious if you have elevated potassium levels in your blood, are on a strict low-salt diet, or are taking other medications for different conditions.

During treatment, you may encounter certain side effects. Understanding these risks and knowing how to monitor them is crucial. Refer to Section 6 for more details on potential side effects.

Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on Abisart. Regularly monitor your blood pressure as advised by your healthcare provider to ensure the medication’s effectiveness.

Before starting any new medication, inform your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Abisart. If you are scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia, let your doctor or dentist know about your Abisart usage, as it may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Stay hydrated, especially during exercise or hot weather, as dehydration can lead to fainting or feeling light-headed due to low blood pressure. If you experience excessive vomiting or diarrhea, contact your doctor, as this can result in significant water and salt loss, causing your blood pressure to drop too much.

If you feel dizzy or light-headed after your initial dose or when your dose is increased, inform your doctor immediately. To prevent dizziness when standing up, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

Alcohol & Driving

Exercise caution when driving or handling machinery until you are aware of how Abisart affects your body. Similar to other medications for high blood pressure, Abisart can lead to feelings of dizziness or light-headedness in certain individuals. Should you experience these symptoms, refrain from driving.

Ensure you understand your reaction to Abisart before engaging in activities like driving, operating heavy equipment, or any tasks that could be risky if you feel dizzy or light-headed. It’s important to inform your doctor if you consume alcohol, as it may intensify the dizziness or light-headedness.

Storage

Store your Abisart tablets in a location that is cool and dry, ensuring the temperature remains below 25°C. Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging until you are ready to take them. This helps maintain their effectiveness and safety.

Follow the guidelines provided on the carton for proper storage. It is important to keep the medication away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Avoid placing it in areas like the bathroom, near a sink, inside a vehicle, or on window ledges.

Ensure that the medicine is not used beyond its expiration date. Always keep it out of reach of young children to prevent accidental ingestion. If the medication is no longer needed or has expired, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

In the event that you suspect an overdose of Abisart, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help. Consuming an excessive amount of Abisart tablets may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Take the following steps without delay:

• Call the Poisons Information Centre by dialing 13 11 26.
• Reach out to your healthcare provider.
• Visit the Emergency Department at the closest hospital.

These actions are important even if you do not experience any symptoms of discomfort or poisoning.

Product Details

The primary component of each Abisart tablet is irbesartan, available in strengths of 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg. In addition to the active ingredient, the tablets contain several inactive substances.

• Croscarmellose sodium
• Hypromellose
• Lactose monohydrate
• Magnesium stearate
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Colloidal anhydrous silica
• OPADRY II OY-LS-28900 White (Proprietary Ingredient No. 107728)

It is important to note that these tablets contain sugars in the form of lactose monohydrate. If you have a known allergy to any of these components, it is crucial to avoid taking this medication.