Irbesartan Side Effects

Many different side effects may develop during treatment with irbesartan. Side effects that were most commonly reported include dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, and heartburn or indigestion. Other less common but possible side effects may include gout, angina, and stroke. More severe side effects of irbesartan that should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately include unexplained skin rash, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

 

Irbesartan Side Effects: An Overview

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with irbesartan (Avapro®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects can occur, but are less common.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with irbesartan. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of irbesartan side effects with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects of Irbesartan

Some irbesartan side effects should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
 
  • Unexplained skin rash
  • Itching
  • Unexplained blisters or peeling of the skin
  • Unexplained swelling of the head or neck (including the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
  • Decrease in the amount of urine produced.
 

Common Irbesartan Side Effects

Irbesartan has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with thousands of people worldwide being evaluated.
 In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common side effects with irbesartan included:
 
  • Fatigue -- up to 4 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 3 percent
  • Heartburn or indigestion -- up to 2 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 10 percent (in people taking irbesartan for diabetic nephropathy).
     
(Irbesartan Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;