Health Checkup: FDA Approves New Treatment For High Blood Pressure That Combines Three Medicines In A Single Pill

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

That Combines Three MedicinesIn A Single Pill @ NAPSA)—In the ted States, high blood pressure remainsa significant health epidemic with an estimated 75 million— or nearly 1 in 3—adults living with the condition. If left untreated, people with high blood pressure may experience an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is an effective first step in controlling high blood pressure. Here are a few steps you can take to help keep your blood pressure undercontrol: *Determine a blood pressure goal with your doctor. Because high blood pressure often doesn’t have symptoms, your progress should be checked regularly *Keep an eye on what you eat (e.g., fat intake). Changes in your food choices—both at home and when you dine out—can make a difference in your blood pressure Find alternatives for salt (sodium). Buy fewer processed foods and replace those favorite items with low-sodium versions *Think outside the gym. Get involved in any physical activities that get you up and moving for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week (e.g., walk the dog, garden, play golf, try yoga) *Keep appointments with your doctor. It is important to remember that with proper medical care, high blood pressure can be successfully managed elf medication is pre- scribed, take it as directed In addition to living a healthier life, many people will require medication, and up to 85% of high blood pressure patients will require more than one medication. While there are many medicines available to treat high blood pressure, recent data show over 30% of people being treated for this condition still have not reached the blood pressure goal recommended by their physicians. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new treatmentoption for doctors to consider when treating their hypertensive patients. This new medication, called AMTURNIDE™ (aliskiren, amlodipine and hydro- chlorothiazide) tablets, is a prescription blood pressure treatment that combines three medicines in a single pill—TEKTuRNA (aliskiren), the only FDA approved direct-renin inhibitor, amlodipine, a widely-used calcium channel blocker, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. AMTURNIDE is for patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with any two of its individual components and is not indicated for initial therapy of high blood pressure. The single-pill combination AMTURNIDE worksto lower blood pressure in three ways. The TEKTURNA component targets the activ- ity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), an important regulator of blood pressure. TEKTURNA directly binds to and inhibits renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that starts a process that can make blood vessels narrow and lead to high blood pressure. The calcium channel blocker amlodipine lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessel walls, and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide increases the excretion of sodium chloride and water. All three complementary medicines work to relax blood vessels and reduce blood volume, therefore low- ering blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about whether AMTURNIDE may be an appropriate treatment option for you. For more information and the full prescribing information, please visit www.amturnide.com. About AMTURNIDE AMTURNIDE is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. AMTURNIDE is not indicated for initial therapy of hypertension. Use AMTURNIDE for patients not adequately controlled with any two of the following: aliskiren, dihydropyridine calcium-chan- nel blockers (DHP-CCB), and thiazide diuretics. Switch a patient who experiences dose-limiting adverse reactions attributed to an individual component-while on any dual combination of components of AMTURNIDE- to AMTURNIDE at a lower dose of that component to achieve similar blood pressure reductions. AMTURNIDE may be substituted for its titrated components. Safety and efficacy of AMTURNIDE in pediatric patients have not been established. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: AVOID USE IN PREGNANCY Whenpregnancyis detected, discontinue AMTURNIDE as soon as possible. Drugsthat act directly on the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. [See WARNINGSand Precautions (5.1) and Use in Special Populations (8.1)] Angioedema: Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported in patients treated with aliskiren and has necessitated hospitalization and intubation. This may occur at any time during treatment and has occurred in patients with and without a history of angioedema with ACE inhibitors angiotensin (ACEI) or receptor antagonists. Discontinue AMTURNIDE immediately in patients who develop angioedema and do not readminister. Hypotension: Excessive hypotension wasseen rarely (0.8%) in patients with uncomplicated hypertension treated with AMTURNIDE in a controlled trial. Volumeand/or salt-depletion should be corrected in patients prior to administration of AMTURNIDE or symptomatic hypotension mayoccur. Risk of MI or Angina: Rarely, initiation or change to the doseof a calcium channel blocker has resulted in the increased frequency, duration, or severity of angina or acute myocardial infarction, particularly in patients with severe obstructive coro- nary artery disease. Renal Considerations: In patients with severe renal impairment (GFR

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