This product is used to treat high blood pressure. It
contains 2 medications: perindopril and amlodipine. Lowering high blood
pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Perindopril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors and
amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
Both of them work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more
easily.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this product at a low dose and gradually increase your
dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep
taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood
pressure do not feel sick.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit
of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or
increase).
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body
adjusts to the medication. Dry cough, swelling hands/ankles/feet, flushing,
or nausea may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fainting
- fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat
- symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle
weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
- signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of
urine)
Some people who already have severe heart disease may
rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this
medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you
experience:
- worsening chest pain
- symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain,
shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
This product may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal)
liver problems. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of
liver damage, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Side Effects section.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to perindopril; or to amlodipine; or to
other ACE inhibitors (such as enalapril, lisinopril); or to other calcium
channel blockers (such as nisoldipine, nifedipine); or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of
the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema)
- blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis,
dialysis)
- high level of potassium in the blood
- a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis)
- liver disease
- dehydration
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause
dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have
severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids
unless your doctor tells you not to.
This product may increase your potassium levels. Before
using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness, high potassium levels, and
rash.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this product.
Perindopril may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your
doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. (See
also Warning section.)
Amlodipine passes into breast milk. It is unknown if
perindopril passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
See also Precautions section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- aliskiren
- certain drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk
of infection (such as everolimus, sirolimus)
- gold injections
- lithium
- drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood
(such as ARBs including losartan/valsartan, birth control pills containing
drospirenone)
- sacubitril
Some products have ingredients that could raise your
blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask
how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
A very serious reaction may occur if you are getting
injections for bee/wasp sting allergy (desensitization) and are also taking
this product. Make sure all your doctors know which medicines you are
using.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fainting, fast/slow heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work
better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a
low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function,
potassium levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Check your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate)
regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to check your own blood
pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your
doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 12 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.