enalapril / HCTZ

Don't take Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) if you're pregnant. Enalapril in Vaseretic can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening harm to unborn babies, so it shouldn't be taken during pregnancy. If you find out that you're pregnant while taking Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide), stop and let your prescriber know right away. If you're pregnant before starting Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, discuss with your healthcare professional (HCP) about safer options to treat your blood pressure.

• Risk factors: Black people | Having angioedema in the past

Enalapril in Vaseretic can trigger a rare, but life-threatening side effect called angioedema. This involves swelling in different parts of the body, including the face and tongue, and can cause trouble breathing. Sometimes, angioedema affects he gut and can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Angioedema can happen at any time during treatment. The risk for this side effect is higher in Black people than in non-Black people. Get medical attention immediately if you experience swelling in any of the areas mentioned above, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing. You'll have to stop taking Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) if this happens.

• Risk factors: History allergies or asthma | Allergy to sulfa

Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause allergic reactions. Your risk is higher if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or a sulfa allergy, though it can happen to anyone. Let your prescriber know if you have a rash, itchiness, hives, trouble breathing, or swelling in the face.

• Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Receiving dialysis | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Eating low-salt diet | Taking diuretic medications for a long time | Heart failure

Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common if you're dehydrated from diarrhea or vomiting, or if you have heart failure. Before you start Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide), your care team will check to see if your fluid and salt levels are balanced. They will instructed you to stay well-hydrated to avoid having blood pressure that's too low. Sit down slowly while holding onto something if you feel dizzy from low blood pressure. Let your care team know if your blood pressure drops too much. Get medical help immediately if you fall and hit your head.

• Risk factors: Severe heart failure | Kidney problems | Not enough fluid in your body | Taking other medications that can cause kidney damage | History of narrow heart valves (aortic stenosis)

Sometimes, Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect your kidneys and cause them to not work as well. The risk is higher for people who have certain types of kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis or very severe heart failure. Your prescriber might order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. If you develop kidney problems, or if your kidney problems worsen while taking Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide), your prescriber might recommend that you stop taking this medication. Let your prescriber know if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.

Rarely, people who took ACE inhibitors like enalapril in Vaseretic have developed a blocked bile duct. This condition can lead to liver problems or liver failure. Your prescriber might order blood tests to check your liver health from time to time. If you notice symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin, let your care team know right away.

Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the level of certain electrolytes in your body, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Your prescriber might order blood work regularly while you're taking this medication to make sure your electrolyte levels are in a safe range. Let your care team know if you experience a fast heart beat, weakness, low energy, muscle pain or cramps, less urination than usual, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte changes in your body.

In addition, Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) might affect your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. Your prescriber might also check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels regularly while you're taking this medication.

• Risk factors: Sulfa or penicillin allergies

Although rare, some people experience vision changes or eye pain within hours or weeks of starting taking hydrochlorothiazide, an ingredient in Vaseretic. Tell your prescriber right away about any vision changes and stop taking Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide), as untreated symptoms could lead to permanent vision loss.

In some rare cases, Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause worsening of or new lupus. Let your prescriber know if you notice a rash across your cheeks and nose or feel very tired.