Rasilez Side Effects

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 7 million people worldwide die from conditions related to high blood pressure or hypertension each year, accounting for approximately 13 percent of all annual deaths. Additionally, the WHO reports that 600 million people around the world suffer from hypertension. Fortunately, there are a number of prescription drugs available to help lower blood pressure levels. In Canada and the United Kingdom, one such drug is Rasilez or aliskiren. Despite its effectiveness, Rasilez is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.

Common Side Effects

• The most common side effect of Rasilez is diarrhea, which occurs in 1 to 2 percent of all users. Patients who experience diarrhea report a range of intensity in the side effect from loose stools to severe, prolonged diarrhea which requires medical attention to avoid dehydration. Coughing and skin rash are also possible side effects that occur in around 1 percent of Rasilez users.

Rare Side Effects

• Rasilez also has the potential to cause a number of rare side effects. Respiratory side effects, such as soreness of the throat or nasal congestion occur in less than 1 percent of users. Neurologic side effects are also possible, including headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness. Patients also infrequently report constupation, fatigue and back pain. In some rare cases, Rasilez causes problems with the kidney, ranging from temporary dysfunction to permanent kidney damage.

Allergic Reactions

• Though rare, Rasilez has the potential to cause serious allergic reactions in some patients. Typically, these reactions begin with the appearance of hives on the body or an itchy sensation around your mouth. Without medical attention, the reaction sometimes progresses to a more dangerous condition called angioedema, where your extremities and throat swell. This can affect your heart and cardiovascular system or make it difficult for you to breathe. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction at any point while using Rasilez, seek prompt emergency medical care.

Drug Interactions

• There are some medications which produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Rasilez. For example, drugs like ciclosporin, quinidine, verapamil as well as certain antibiotics and antifungals increase the amount of Rasilez in your bloodstream, which increases your likelihood of developing side effects. You should also be careful not to combine Rasilez with other drugs that lower your blood pressure levels, including antipsychotics, antidepressants and diuretics as this can result in fainting and severe dizziness. When combined with a heart drug treatment called an ACE inhibitor, Rasilez can cause an increase in potassium levels in your blood stream. Over time, this can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia, which can damage or interfere with your heart and cardiovascular system.

Considerations

• Because Rasilez can cause fetal death during the second or third trimesters, doctors typically do not prescribe the drug for pregnant women. Additionally, doctors do not prescribe Rasilez for children or lactating mothers due to the risk of side effects. If you have a history of heart or kidney disease or have decreased kidney function for any reason, your doctor may not prescribe Rasilez. Since it sometimes causes dizziness and fatigue, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how Rasilez affects you.