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Irbesartan Coupon - Irbesartan 300mg tablet

irbesartan

Generic Avapro
Used for Hypertension, Diabetic Nephropathy
Used for Hypertension, Diabetic Nephropathy

Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 29, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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basics-icon

What is Irbesartan (Avapro)?

What is Irbesartan (Avapro) used for?

How Irbesartan (Avapro) works

Irbesartan (Avapro) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the effect of a hormone called angiotensin II. The main role of angiotensin II is to narrow your blood vessels, which can raise your blood pressure and cause your heart to work harder to pump out blood to the rest of your body. By blocking the effect of this hormone on the body, irbesartan (Avapro) relaxes your blood vessels. This helps lower your blood pressure and stress on your heart.

Are you looking for information on Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) instead?
When does Irbesartan (Avapro) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAvapro
Drug ClassARB
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Irbesartan (Avapro)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness (up to 10%)
  • Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
  • Feeling tired (4%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Heartburn (2%)
Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.

Other Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • Ringing in the ears

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Angioedema (severe swelling): swelling of the face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
  • Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, unexplained weight gain, or swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
  • High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
When do Irbesartan (Avapro) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Dizziness
Feeling tired
Low blood pressure when changing positions
Diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chills

cold sweats

confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

chest pain

difficult, burning, or painful urination

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

Rare

Chest discomfort

decreased urine output

dilated neck veins

extreme fatigue

feeling of warmth

fever

irregular breathing

irregular heartbeat

nausea

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

shortness of breath

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

vomiting

weight gain

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

clay-colored stools

dark urine

decreased frequency of urine

headache

increased thirst

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

muscle cramps or spasms

muscle pain or stiffness

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rash

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood

weakness or heaviness of the legs

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

body aches or pain

bone pain

congestion

cough

diarrhea

dryness or soreness of the throat

feeling of indigestion

general feeling of discomfort or illness

heartburn

hoarseness

joint pain

pain in the chest below the breastbone

runny nose

shivering

sneezing

stomach discomfort or upset

stuffy nose

sweating

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trouble sleeping

trouble with swallowing

voice changes

Rare

Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

bloated or full feeling

blurred or loss of vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

change in hearing

cracked, dry, scaly skin

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

depression

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

disturbed color perception

double vision

ear drainage

earache or pain in the ear

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

halos around lights

hives or welts

inability to have or keep an erection

large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

pain, swelling, or redness in the joints

passing gas

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

tunnel vision

Incidence not known

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

sensation of spinning

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Irbesartan (Avapro)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Typically taken once a day

Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors

thumbs-down

Cons

Not safe for use while pregnant

High risk of raising potassium levels

Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Irbesartan (Avapro)

pharmacist

  • You can track how well irbesartan (Avapro) is working to control your blood pressure by checking your blood pressure regularly at home. Write down your blood pressure readings, and bring them to your appointments with your provider so you can discuss how well irbesartan (Avapro) is working for you.

    • Irbesartan (Avapro) works to lower your blood pressure, but this can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. You're more likely to feel dizzy or lightheaded if you're suddenly standing up from a sitting or lying down position. Make sure to get up slowly from these positions after taking irbesartan (Avapro). Tell your provider if you experience fainting or dizziness while taking this medication.

      • Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take irbesartan (Avapro). Your provider might order tests to check your potassium levels and kidney health during treatment. Based on your lab results and your blood pressure readings, they might change your dose to make sure the medication is safe and working well for you.

        • Remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated while you're taking irbesartan (Avapro), especially on hot days or after exercising. Dehydration can put you at risk for very low blood pressure, dizziness, and falls. In addition, not having enough fluids in your body might raise your risk of kidney damage during treatment with this medication.

          • Don't take irbesartan (Avapro) if you're pregnant since it can cause harm to the unborn baby. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant during treatment, contact your provider right away. Your provider might prescribe you a different medication that's safer during pregnancy or suggest lifestyle changes.

            • Irbesartan (Avapro) can interact with many medications. Let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start irbesartan (Avapro). Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about interactions with this medication.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Irbesartan (Avapro)

              Is irbesartan (Avapro) a beta blocker?
              No, irbesartan (Avapro) isn't a beta blocker; it's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Beta blockers and ARBs can help lower high blood pressure, but they do so in different ways. If you're taking irbesartan (Avapro) and your blood pressure is still higher, your provider might prescribe additional blood pressure-lowering medications, such as a beta blocker, to help. Talk with your provider if you've questions about your blood pressure medications.
              How long does irbesartan (Avapro) stay in your system?
              It can take between 2 to 4 days for most of irbesartan (Avapro) to leave your body. Keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-life of irbesartan (Avapro). It can also be affected by your health conditions and genetics, so it can be different for each individual person. If you experience side effects with this medication, such as dizziness and fainting, let your provider know right away.
              How to stop taking irbesartan (Avapro)?
              If you want to stop taking irbesartan (Avapro), talk with your provider first. Don't suddenly stop this medication, especially if you've been taking it regularly for some time. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise very quickly, which can be dangerous. If you want to stop irbesartan (Avapro), your provider can help you do so safely by lower your dosage over time.
              Does irbesartan (Avapro) cause hair loss?
              People who took irbesartan (Avapro) during clinical studies didn't report hair loss as a side effect. If you find yourself losing hair while taking irbesartan (Avapro), talk with your provider. They can examine you and discuss other possible causes of your hair loss, such as other medications or medical conditions.
              Should I take irbesartan (Avapro) at night or in the morning?
              Depending on when your blood pressure is the highest during the day, your provider might ask you to take irbesartan (Avapro) either in the morning or evening. But regardless of what time of the day you're taking this medication, it's important to take it at the same time every day. Taking irbesartan (Avapro) regularly can help better control your blood pressure, which lowers your risk of heart diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. If you have trouble remembering to take your medications, consider using a pill box to organize your medications.
              Is irbesartan (Avapro) a good blood pressure medication?
              Irbesartan (Avapro) is a first-choice treatment for most people with high blood pressure. In particular, it's also the first-choice treatment for people with high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease. Keep in mind this medication doesn't work as well to control blood pressure in Black people. Your provider will help you decide what's the best medication for you to help control your blood pressure.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Irbesartan (Avapro)?

              Irbesartan (Avapro) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Harm to unborn baby

              Taking irbesartan (Avapro) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy might raise the risk for birth defects, such as small skull, low blood pressure, and kidney failure. Sometimes, this can be fatal to your unborn baby. Because of this potential risk, if you find out that you're pregnant while you're taking irbesartan (Avapro), stop and let your provider know right away. If you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, discuss safer treatment options with your provider.

              risk-warning

              Low blood pressure

              • Risk factors: Dehydration (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting) | Low salt levels in your body | People on dialysis | Taking diuretics for a long time

                Sometimes, taking irbesartan (Avapro) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. Make sure to stay well-hydrated during treatment. Don't get up suddenly from a sitting or lying down position, since this can cause your blood pressure to drop quickly. If you often feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while taking irbesartan (Avapro), let your provider know.

                risk-warning

                Worsening kidney problems

                • Risk factors: Severe heart failure | Kidney problems | Taking diuretics

                  Irbesartan (Avapro) can usually improve blood flow to the kidneys, which is good for people with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). But in some cases, irbesartan (Avapro) can make kidney problems worse. The risk is higher for people who have certain medical conditions, such as blockage of the kidney artery or severe heart failure. As a result, your provider might order lab tests during treatment to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. Let your provider know if you're urinating less often than usual, feeling tired, nauseous, or have chills. These can be symptoms of kidney damage.

                  risk-warning

                  High levels of potassium

                  • Risk factors: Diabetes | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that also raise potassium

                    Very rarely, irbesartan (Avapro) can raise the amount of potassium in your body, which can be dangerous. Your risk of developing high potassium levels is greater if you have diabetes, kidney problems, or are taking other medications that also raise potassium levels. For this reason, make sure your provider knows your full medical history and what medications you're taking before starting irbesartan (Avapro). If you experience signs of high potassium, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or abnormal heartbeat, tell your provider right away.

                    dosage

                    Irbesartan (Avapro) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 30 tablets of 300mg of Irbesartan (Avapro) is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.85% off the average retail price of $49.58.
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    75mg90 tablets$20.00$0.22
                    150mg90 tablets$20.00$0.22
                    300mg30 tablets$9.00$0.30

                    Typical dosing for Irbesartan (Avapro)

                    • High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will adjust your dose according to your blood pressure. The maximum dose is 300 mg by mouth once daily.

                    • Diabetic kidney disease: The typical dosing is 300 mg by mouth once daily.

                    Your dose might differ if you're dehydrated, taking diuretics ("water pills"), or if you're on dialysis

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Irbesartan (Avapro) and other drugs

                    Irbesartan (Avapro) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Irbesartan (Avapro). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Irbesartan (Avapro) cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Avapro (brand)
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                    contraindications-icon

                    Irbesartan (Avapro) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Irbesartan (Avapro) will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Irbesartan (Avapro)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Irbesartan (Avapro). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Irbesartan (Avapro)
                    Used for:
                    $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Losartan (Cozaar)
                    Used for:
                    $7.30 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Valsartan (Diovan)
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                    images

                    Irbesartan (Avapro) images

                    White Oval 300 And L133 - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "300" And "L133".White Oval 300 And L133 - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    White Oval 162 And Sg - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "162" And "Sg".White Oval 162 And Sg - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    White Oblong 160 And H - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "H" And "160".White Oblong 160 And H - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    White Oval Ml 96 - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ml 96".White Oval Ml 96 - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    White Oval 300 And Hu - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "300" And "Hu".White Oval 300 And Hu - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    White Oblong 331 And Hh - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Hh" And "331".White Oblong 331 And Hh - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    White Oval 331 And Hh - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Hh" And "331".White Oval 331 And Hh - Irbesartan 300mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2022). IRBESARTAN tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Hallare, J., et al. (2023). Half life. StatPearls.

                    Hill, R. D., et al. (2023). Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). StatPearls.

                    View All References (2)

                    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Diabetes Work Group. KDIGO 2022 clinical practice guideline for diabetes management in chronic kidney disease. Kidney International.

                    Varghese, R. T., et al. (2023). Diabetic nephropathy. StatPearls.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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