Consumer medicine information

APO-Irbesartan HCTZ

Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Irbesartan HCTZ

Active ingredient

Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using APO-Irbesartan HCTZ.

SUMMARY CMI

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ contains the active ingredients irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ is used to treat high blood pressure. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

  • Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day. The usual dose is one tablet per day.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ at about the same time each day.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • If you become pregnant while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ tell your doctor immediately.
  • Before being started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist you are taking
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • If you have excessive vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, tell your doctor.
  • If you feel light-headed or dizzy after your dose is increased, tell your doctor immediately.
  • Tell your doctor if you experience increased skin sensitivity.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ affects you. APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. If this occurs do not drive.
Drinking alcohol
  • If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
  • Keep your tablets in the packaging until it is time to take them.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects: headache, dizziness or light-headedness (vertigo), unusual tiredness, weakness or fatigue. Shortness of breath when exercising or looking pale. Pain in the stomach or gut. Nausea and/or vomiting, sexual problems, low blood glucose levels. Refer to the full CMI for the full list, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects?



FULL CMI

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

Active ingredient(s): irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?
2. What should I know before I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?
5. What should I know while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ contains the active ingredients irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Both medicines reduce blood pressure in different ways.

Irbesartan belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. Angiotensin II is a substance produced in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow. Irbesartan blocks angiotensin-II and therefore widens your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. This helps to lower your blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medicines known as diuretics. Diuretics cause an increase in the volume of urine. They also help with lowering blood pressure particularly when combined with other blood pressure reducing medicines.

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ is used to treat high blood pressure, which doctors call hypertension.

2. What should I know before I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

Warnings

Do not take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ if:

  • you are allergic to irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide or to sulfonamide derived medicines (commonly known as sulfur drugs), or to any ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.
  • you are pregnant (or think you may be pregnant) or are planning to become pregnant.
  • you are breastfeeding.
  • you have diabetes or have kidney problems and you are being treated with medicines that lower blood pressure such as an ACE inhibitor, any aliskiren-containing medicines that belong to a group of medicines known as AIIRAs (medicines also used to treat high blood pressure).
  • you are not producing urine.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions.
  • have had recent excessive vomiting or diarrhoea or think you are dehydrated.
  • have kidney problems, or have had a kidney transplant or dialysis.
  • have heart problems.
  • have liver problems, or have had liver problems in the past.
  • have diabetes.
  • have gout or have had gout in the past.
  • have lupus erythematosus.
  • have high or low levels of potassium or sodium or other electrolytes in your blood.
  • have primary aldosteronism. This is a condition which causes sodium retention and an increase in blood pressure.
  • are strictly restricting your salt intake.
  • have had a sympathectomy. This is a surgical procedure to cut or block a nerve in your body.
  • have been taking diuretics. These are medicines that reduce fluid retention in your body and are often used to treat high blood pressure.
  • have had skin cancer or you develop an unexpected skin lesion during the treatment. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, particularly long term use with high doses, may increase the risk of some types of skin and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer). Protect your skin from sun exposure and UV rays while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • take any medicines for any other condition.
  • are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
  • if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • plan to have surgery (even at the dentist) that needs a general anaesthetic.
  • have a history of allergy or asthma.
  • have allergies to any substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • have a decrease in your vision or pain in one or both of your eyes. If so, you should discontinue
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ treatment and seek prompt medical attention, as these could be symptoms of fluid accumulation in the eye (choroidal effusion) or an increase of pressure in your eye (glaucoma) and can happen within hours to weeks of taking
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ. This can lead to permanent vision loss, if not treated. If you have had a penicillin or sulfonamide (sulfur drug) allergy, you can be at higher risk of developing this.
  • experienced breathing or lung problems (including inflammation or fluid in the lungs) following hydrochlorothiazide intake in the past.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Use in children

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ should not be given to children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Do not take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
  • Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Do not take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ if you are breastfeeding.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Tell your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any of the following:

  • other medicines to treat high blood pressure.
  • other diuretics.
  • lithium or lithium-containing medicines (for example lithium carbonate).
  • potassium tablets.
  • potassium-containing salt tablets.
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine such as diclofenac, ibuprofen) and COX-2 inhibitors (for example celecoxib). These medicines may be used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation including arthritis. Taking
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ and an anti-inflammatory medicine alone or with a thiazide diuretic (fluid tablet) may damage your kidneys. It may also reduce the effect APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ has on lowering blood pressure.
  • alcoholic drinks.
  • sleeping tablets.
  • strong pain medicines such as codeine or morphine.
  • medicines to treat diabetes, such as repaglinide.
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ might induce hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
  • calcium supplements or medicines containing calcium.
  • medicines containing Vitamin D.
  • medicines for gout.
  • powder or granules used to help reduce cholesterol (cholestyramine or colestipol hydrochloride).
  • heart medicines such as digoxin or medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythm such as sotalol hydrochloride.
  • corticosteroid medicines such as prednisone, cortisone or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
  • medicines used to treat cancer.
  • amantadine, a medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease or to prevent influenza.
  • anticholinergic medicines, these can be used to treat Parkinson's disease, to relieve stomach cramps or spasms or used to prevent travel sickness.
  • carbamazepine, a medicine used to treat convulsion.
  • medicines used during surgery.
  • medicines used in an emergency such as adrenaline.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.

4. How do I take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

How much to take

  • APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ will usually be prescribed by your doctor if previous treatment does not produce a sufficient drop in your blood pressure. Your doctor will tell you how to switch from your previous treatment to APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • The usual dose of APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ is one tablet once a day. The full blood pressure lowering effect should be reached 6 to 8 weeks after beginning treatment.
  • If your blood pressure is not satisfactorily reduced with APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to be taken with
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you. They will tell you exactly how much to take.
  • Follow the instructions provided and take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ until your doctor tells you to stop.

When to take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

  • Take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ about the same time each day.

How to take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It does not matter whether you take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ tablets before or after food.
  • Continue taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ until your doctor tells you to stop.
  • To help you remember to take your tablets each day, APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ tablets are supplied in a calendar pack with the foil backing marked with the days of the week. This is just a way to help you to remember to take your tablets. All of the tablets in the pack are the same.
  • When you start a new strip of tablets, take the tablet marked "START". On the next day, take the tablet marked with the relevant day of the week. Continue taking your tablets each day until all of the tablets are taken. Commence the next strip at "START" and continue as before.

If you forget to take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ should be used regularly at the same time each day.

If you miss your dose at the usual time and if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and go back to taking your tablets as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you take too much APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

If you think that you have taken too much
APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you take too many APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ tablets you will probably feel light-headed or dizzy.

5. What should I know while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ?

Things you should do

  • Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor tells you to, to make sure APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ is working.
  • If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ.
  • If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ. Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
  • Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, especially if you sweat a lot. If you do not drink enough water while taking
    APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, you may faint or feel light-headed or sick. This is because your body does not have enough fluid and your blood pressure is low. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you have excessive vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ. You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, or when your dose is increased.
  • Tell your doctor if you experience an increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun with symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching, swelling, blistering) occurring more quickly than normal.
  • If you develop any shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ, seek medical attention immediately.

Things you should not do

  • Do not give APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not take APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
  • Do not stop taking APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.

Things to be careful of

  • If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly.
  • Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
  • The hydrochlorothiazide contained in this medicine could produce a positive analytical result in an antidoping test.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ affects you.

As with many other medicines used to treat high blood pressure, APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. If this occurs do not drive.

Make sure you know how you react to APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ before you drive a car, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
  • Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness or light-headiness (vertigo).
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness, fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath when exercising or looking pale.
  • Pain the stomach or gut.
  • Nausea and/or vomiting.
  • Sexual problems.
  • Low blood glucose levels.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
They are generally mild and do not normally require treatment to be interrupted.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • Skin rash or itchiness (this may be a symptom of an allergic reaction).
  • Aching muscles, not caused by exercise.
  • Muscle pain or weakness.
  • Blood tests may show raised levels of an enzyme that measures breakdown of muscle (creatine phosphokinase).
  • Buzzing, ringing or other persistent noise in the ear.
  • Changes in heart rhythm.
  • You are not urinating (passing water) as much as normal.
  • Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes.
  • Painful, swollen joints that may be symptoms of gout.
  • Fainting.
  • Symptoms that may indicate low platelet count such as easy excessive bruising, bleeding from gums or nose, prolonged bleeding from cuts and blood in urine or stools.
  • Disturbances in your vision (such as blurred vision and seeing haloes around lights) and eye pain.
  • Symptoms that may occur if you have developed diabetes, such as excessive thirst, passing greatly increased amounts of urine, increased appetite with weight loss, feeling tired, drowsy, weak, depressed, irritable and generally unwell.
  • Symptoms that may indicate kidney disease such as passing little or no urine, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, loss of appetite and weakness.
  • Symptoms that may indicate high potassium levels in the blood such as nausea, diarrhoea, muscle weakness and changes in heart rhythm.
  • Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also known as jaundice.
  • Symptoms that may indicate liver disease such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark coloured urine.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
  • Severe and sudden onset of pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin, also called hives or nettle rash.
  • Acute respiratory distress (signs include shortness of breath, fever, weakness and confusion).
Stop taking APO-Irbesartan HCTZ and call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
These are serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
  • Each tablet contains either
    150 mg or 300 mg of irbesartan and 12.5 mg or 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide as the active ingredients.
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • Croscarmellose sodium
  • Lactose monohydrate
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Pigment Blend PB-24899 PINK
  • Povidone
  • 150/12.5 and 300/12.5 tablets also contain OPADRY II complete film coating system 30F84418 PINK.
  • 300/25 tablets also contain OPADRY II Complete film coating system 30F86974 BROWN.
Potential allergensThis medicine contains sugars as lactose.

This medicine does not contain gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ looks like

150/12.5 mg tablets*

Peach coloured, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablet, debossed with "L183" on one side and plain on the other side.

AUST R 213302.

300/12.5 mg tablets*

Peach coloured, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablet, debossed with "L184" on one side and plain on the other side.

AUST R 213303.

300/25 mg tablets*

Pinkish brown, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablet, debossed with "L185" on one side and plain on the other side.

AUST R 213305.

Available in blister packs of 30 tablets.

* Not all strengths may be available.

Who distributes APO-IRBESARTAN HCTZ

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15-17 Chapel St
Cremorne VIC 311

This leaflet was prepared in July 2024.

Published by MIMS September 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Irbesartan HCTZ

Active ingredient

Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each tablet contains 150 mg or 300 mg irbesartan and 12.5 mg or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide, as the active ingredients.

Excipients with known effect.

Sugars as lactose.
For the full list of excipients see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

150/12.5 mg tablets.

Peach, oval, biconvex film-coated tablet debossed with "L183" on one side and plain on the other side.

300/12.5 mg tablets.

Peach, oval, biconvex film-coated tablet debossed with "L184" on one side and plain on the other side.

300/25 mg tablets.

Pinkish brown, oval, biconvex film-coated tablet debossed with "L185" on one side and plain on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Treatment should not be initiated with this fixed dose combination.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

APO-Irbesartan HCTZ tablets are intended for oral administration.

Dosage.

Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide should not be initiated as first line therapy. The daily dose can be administered with or without food.

Replacement therapy.

The combination may be substituted for the titrated components at the same dose level.

Dose titration by clinical effect.

When clinically appropriate, direct change from monotherapy to the fixed combinations may be considered:
irbesartan 150 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg may be administered to patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with hydrochlorothiazide or irbesartan 150 mg alone;
irbesartan 300 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg may be administered to patients insufficiently controlled by irbesartan 300 mg or by irbesartan 150 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg;
irbesartan 300 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg may be administered to patients insufficiently controlled by irbesartan 300 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg.
Doses higher than irbesartan 300 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once daily are not recommended. When necessary, irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide may be administered with another antihypertensive drug.

Patients with intravascular volume depletion.

In severely volume depleted and/or sodium depleted patients, such as those treated vigorously with diuretics, the condition should be corrected prior to administration of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide.

Elderly patients.

No dosage reduction is generally necessary for daily dosage of irbesartan 150 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg in the elderly.

Renal impairment.

No dosage reduction is generally necessary for daily dosage of irbesartan 150 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance > 30 mL/min).

Hepatic impairment.

No dosage reduction is thought to be necessary in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment as the pharmacokinetics of neither irbesartan nor hydrochlorothiazide are affected by hepatic impairment. Due to the hydrochlorothiazide component, irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in hepatic impairment).

4.3 Contraindications

Patients who are hypersensitive to irbesartan, sulfonamide derived drugs (e.g. thiazides), or to any other ingredient listed in Section 6.1 List of Excipients. In general, hypersensitivity reactions are more likely to occur in patients with a history of allergy or bronchial asthma.
Patients who are anuric.
Do not co-administer irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren containing medicines in patients with diabetes or with moderate to severe renal impairment.
Do not co-administer irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide with ACE inhibitors in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Pregnancy (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Non-melanoma skin cancer.

An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) [basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] with increasing cumulative dose of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) exposure has been observed in two epidemiological studies based on Danish National Cancer Registry (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties). Photosensitizing actions of HCTZ could act as a possible mechanism for NMSC.
Patients taking HCTZ should be informed of the risk of NMSC and advised to regularly check their skin for any new lesions and promptly report any suspicious skin lesions.
Possible preventive measures such as limited exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays and, in case of exposure, adequate protection should be advised to the patients in order to minimise the risk of skin cancer. Suspicious skin lesions should be promptly examined potentially including histological examinations of biopsies. The use of HCTZ may also need to be reconsidered in patients who have experienced previous non-melanoma skin cancer (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Hypotension - volume depleted patients.

Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide has been rarely associated with hypotension in hypertensive patients without other risk factors for hypotension. Symptomatic hypotension may be expected to occur in patients who have been sodium and/or volume depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy and/or dietary salt restriction, or vomiting and/or diarrhoea or haemodialysis. Volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected before initiating therapy with irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Thiazides may potentiate the action of other antihypertensive drugs (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Use in renal impairment.

As a consequence of inhibiting the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, changes in renal function during therapy with irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide may be anticipated in susceptible individuals. In patients whose renal function depends on the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (e.g. hypertensive patients with renal artery stenosis in one or both kidneys, or patients with severe congestive heart failure), treatment with drugs that affect this system has been associated with oliguria and/or progressive azotaemia and (rarely) with acute renal failure and/or death. The possibility of a similar effect occurring with the use of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, including irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide cannot be excluded.
There is no experience in patients with a recent renal transplant.
Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for patients with severe renal disease (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min) (see Section 4.3 Contraindications, anuric patients). Hydrochlorothiazide associated precipitation of azotemia may occur in patients with impaired renal function. As experience is limited in patients with a creatinine clearance > 30 and < 60 mL/min, irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide should be administered with caution to such patients.

Hyperkalaemia.

Concomitant use of irbesartan with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other medicinal products which may increase the potassium level (e.g. trimethoprim containing medicines) may lead to an increase in serum potassium and should therefore be co-administered cautiously with irbesartan.

Dual blockade of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS).

Dual blockade of the RAAS by combining irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide with an ACE inhibitor or with aliskiren is not recommended since there are increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and changes in renal function. The use of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide in combination with aliskiren is contraindicated in patient with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
The use of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide in combination with aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or with moderate to severe renal impairment.
The use of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide in combination with an ACE inhibitor is contraindicated in patients with diabetic nephropathy (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Psoriasis.

The use of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide in patients with psoriasis or a history of psoriasis should be carefully weighed as it may exacerbate psoriasis.

Renal artery stenosis.

See comments under Use in renal impairment above.

Primary aldosteronism.

Patients with primary aldosteronism generally will not respond to antihypertensive medicines acting through inhibition of the renin angiotensin system. Therefore the use of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended.

Postsympathectomy.

The antihypertensive effects of thiazide diuretics may be increased in the postsympathectomy patient.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, can cause fluid or electrolyte imbalance (hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia and hypochloraemic alkalosis). Although hypokalaemia may develop when thiazide diuretics are used alone, especially with higher doses, concurrent therapy with irbesartan reduces the frequency of diuretic induced hypokalaemia. Chloride deficit is generally mild and usually does not require treatment. Calcium excretion is decreased by thiazides which may cause intermittent and slight elevation of serum calcium. Marked hypercalcaemia suggests the possibility of hyperparathyroidism. Thiazides should be discontinued before carrying out tests for parathyroid function. Thiazides have been shown to increase the urinary excretion of magnesium, which may result in hypomagnesaemia.
Monitoring of laboratory parameters may be necessary in patients at risk of electrolyte imbalance.

Metabolic and endocrine effects.

Hyperuricaemia may occur, and an acute attack of gout may be precipitated in certain patients receiving thiazide therapy. Insulin requirements in diabetic patients may be increased and latent diabetes mellitus may become manifest during thiazide administration. Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been associated with thiazide diuretic therapy, however, minimal or no effects were reported at the 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide dose contained in irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide.
Monitoring of laboratory parameters may be necessary in patients at risk of metabolic disturbances.

Hypoglycaemia.

Irbesartan may induce hypoglycaemia, particularly in patients treated for diabetes. Therefore, dose adjustment of antidiabetic treatment such as repaglinide or insulin may be required (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported with the use of thiazide diuretics.

Acute respiratory toxicity.

Severe cases of acute respiratory toxicity, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been reported after taking hydrochlorothiazide. Pulmonary oedema typically develops within minutes to hours after hydrochlorothiazide intake. At the onset, symptoms include dyspnoea, fever, pulmonary deterioration and hypotension. If diagnosis of ARDS is suspected, irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets should be withdrawn and appropriate treatment should be given.
Hydrochlorothiazide must not be administered to patients who previously experienced ARDS following intake of hydrochlorothiazide or another thiazide diuretic.

Choroidal effusion, secondary acute angle closure glaucoma and/or acute myopia.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide. Sulfonamide or sulfonamide derivative drugs can cause an idiosyncratic reaction, which may result in choroidal effusion with visual field defect, secondary acute angle closure glaucoma and/or acute myopia. Isolated cases of acute angle closure glaucoma without definite causal association have been reported with hydrochlorothiazide. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity or ocular pain and typically occur within hours to weeks of drug initiation. Untreated acute angle closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. The primary treatment is to discontinue drug intake as rapidly as possible. Prompt medical or surgical treatments may need to be considered if the intraocular pressure remains uncontrolled. Risk factors for developing acute angle closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Photosensitivity.

Photosensitivity reactions have been reported with the use of thiazide diuretics.
If the photosensitivity reactions occur during treatment with hydrochlorothiazide drugs, treatment should be stopped.

Heart failure.

The safety of irbesartan in the presence of heart failure has not been fully defined. Sudden death has occurred in some studies of patients with heart failure, and although such deaths may have reflected the natural history of the underlying heart failure, caution is recommended when treating such patients with irbesartan.

Cardiac arrhythmia.

At this time, experience is limited with irbesartan in the treatment of patients with ventricular dysfunction or cardiac arrhythmias; caution is advised.

Use in renal impairment.

See comments under Use in renal impairment, above.

Paediatric use.

Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients have not been established.

Use in the elderly.

Among patients who received irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide in clinical studies, no overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between older patients (65 years or older) and younger patients.

Effects on laboratory tests.

In premarketing controlled clinical trials, clinically important changes in standard laboratory parameters were rarely associated with administration of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen.

Minor increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or serum creatinine were observed in 2.3% and 1.1% respectively, of patients with essential hypertension treated with irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide alone. No patient discontinued taking irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide due to increased BUN. One patient discontinued taking irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide due to a minor increase in creatinine.

Haemoglobin.

Mean decreases of approximately 0.2 g/dL occurred in patients treated with irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide alone, but were rarely of clinical importance. This compared to a mean of 0.4 g/dL in patients receiving placebo. No patients were discontinued due to anaemia.

Liver function tests.

Occasional elevations of liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin have occurred. In patients with essential hypertension treated with irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide alone, one patient was discontinued due to elevated liver enzymes.

Serum electrolytes.

In double blind clinical trials of various doses of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, the incidence of hypertensive patients who developed hypokalaemia (serum potassium < 3.5 mmol/L) was 7.5% versus 6.0% for placebo; the incidence of hyperkalaemia (serum potassium > 5.7 mmol/L) was < 1.0% versus 1.7% for placebo. No patient discontinued due to increases or decreases in serum potassium. Overall, the combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide had no effect on serum potassium. Higher doses of irbesartan ameliorated the hypokalaemic response to hydrochlorothiazide (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Fluid and electrolyte imbalance).

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Based on in vitro data, no interactions with irbesartan would be expected to occur with drugs whose metabolism is dependent upon cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4. Irbesartan is primarily metabolized by CYP2C9, however, during clinical interaction studies, no significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when irbesartan was coadministered with warfarin (a drug metabolized by CYP2C9).
Irbesartan does not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin or simvastatin. The pharmacokinetics of irbesartan are not affected by coadministration with nifedipine or hydrochlorothiazide.
Based on experience with the use of other drugs that affect the renin angiotensin system, concomitant use of potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other medicinal products that may increase potassium (e.g. trimethoprim containing medicines) with irbesartan may lead to increases in serum potassium, sometimes severe, and requires close monitoring of serum potassium. Concurrent therapy with hydrochlorothiazide may reduce the frequency of this effect.

Alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics.

Potentiation of thiazide diuretic induced orthostatic hypotension may occur.

Antidiabetic drugs (oral agents and insulin).

Thiazides may elevate blood glucose levels thus, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be necessary.

Antigout medication.

Dosage adjustments of antigout medication may be needed since hydrochlorothiazide may raise the blood level of uric acid.

Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin) and other antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. sotalol).

Diuretic induced hypokalaemia may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias.

Calcium salts.

Thiazide diuretics may increase serum calcium levels due to decreased excretion. If calcium or a calcium sparing drug (e.g. vitamin D therapy) is prescribed, serum calcium levels should be monitored and calcium dosage adjusted accordingly.

Cholestyramine resin and colestipol HCl.

May delay or decrease absorption of hydrochlorothiazide. Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide should be taken at least one hour before or four hours after these medications.

Lithium.

Diuretic agents reduce the renal clearance of lithium and increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been reported with concomitant use of irbesartan. Coadministration with irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide should be approached with caution and frequent monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended.

Inhibitors of endogenous prostaglandin synthesis (i.e. NSAIDs).

In some patients, these agents can reduce the effects of thiazide diuretics.

Other diuretics and antihypertensive medications.

The thiazide component may potentiate the actions of other antihypertensive drugs, especially ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs. Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with diazoxide; blood glucose, serum uric acid levels and blood pressure should be monitored.

Combination use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics.

Concomitant use of a renin-angiotensin system inhibiting drug (ACE-inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist) and an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, including COX-2 inhibitor) alone or with a thiazide diuretic may increase the risk of renal impairment, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. This includes use in fixed-combination products containing more than one class of drug. The combination of these agents should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly, volume depleted and in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Renal function (serum creatinine) should be monitored after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter. The antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including irbesartan, may be attenuated by NSAIDs including selective COX-2 inhibitors.
The use of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide in combination with an ACE inhibitor is contraindicated in patients with diabetic nephropathy (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Renin inhibitor.

The combination of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren containing medicines is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or moderate to severe renal impairment and is not recommended in other patients (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).

The use of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide in combination with an ACE inhibitor is contraindicated in patients with diabetic nephropathy and is not recommended in other patients.

Repaglinide.

Irbesartan has the potential to inhibit OATP1B1. In a clinical study, it was reported that irbesartan increased the Cmax and AUC of repaglinide (substrate of OATP1B1) by 1.8-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively, when administered 1 hour before repaglinide. In another study, no relevant pharmacokinetic interaction was reported when the two drugs were co-administered. Therefore, dose adjustment of antidiabetic treatment such as repaglinide may be required (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Drugs used during surgery.

The effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine), preanaesthetics and anaesthetics used in surgery may be potentiated by hydrochlorothiazide; dosage adjustments may be required. Preanaesthetic and anaesthetic agents should be given in reduced dosage, and if possible, hydrochlorothiazide therapy discontinued one week prior to surgery.

Carbamazepine.

Concomitant use of carbamazepine and hydrochlorothiazide has been associated with the risk of symptomatic hyponatraemia. Electrolytes should be monitored during concomitant use. If possible, another class of diuretics should be used.

Pressor amines (e.g. noradrenaline).

Due to the thiazide component there is a possible decreased response to pressor amines but not sufficient to preclude their use.

Corticosteroids, ACTH.

Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia can occur with thiazide use.

Other interactions.

The hypoglycaemic effect of beta-blockers and diazoxide may be enhanced by thiazides. Anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine) may increase the bioavailability of thiazide type diuretics by decreasing gastrointestinal motility and stomach emptying rate. Thiazides may increase the risk of adverse effects caused by amantadine. Thiazides may reduce the renal excretion of cytotoxic drugs (e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate) and potentiate their myelosuppressive effects.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

The effects of hydrochlorothiazide and the irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide combination on fertility have not been evaluated in animal studies. However, with irbesartan alone, fertility and reproductive performance were not affected in studies of male and female rats at oral doses up to 650 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 (male) and 8-fold (female) higher exposure based on AUC, than that of humans at the maximum recommended clinical dose of 300 mg/day).
(Category D)
Drugs that act directly on the renin angiotensin system can cause foetal and neonatal morbidity and death when administered to pregnant women. Several dozen cases have been reported in the world literature in patients who were taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. When pregnancy is detected, irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide should be discontinued as soon as possible.
The use of drugs that act directly on the renin angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy have been associated with foetal and neonatal injury, including hypotension, neonatal skull hypoplasia, anuria, reversible or irreversible renal failure and death. Oligohydramnios has also been reported, presumably resulting from decreased foetal renal function; oligohydramnios in this setting has been associated with foetal limb contractures, craniofacial deformation and hypoplastic lung development. Prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and patent ductus arteriosus have also been reported, although it is not clear whether these occurrences were due to exposure to the drug.
These adverse effects do not appear to have resulted from intrauterine drug exposure that has been limited to the first trimester. Mothers whose embryos and foetuses are exposed to an angiotensin II receptor antagonist only during the first trimester should be so informed. Nonetheless, when patients become pregnant, physicians should have the patient discontinue the use of irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide as soon as possible.
Infants with histories of in utero exposure to an angiotensin II receptor antagonist should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria and hyperkalaemia.
Thiazides cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. The routine use of diuretics in otherwise healthy pregnant women is not recommended and exposes mother and foetus to unnecessary hazard, including foetal or neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia and possibly other adverse reactions which have occurred in the adult.
No teratogenic effects were seen in rats given irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide in combination at doses as high as 150/150 mg/kg/day. When pregnant rats were treated with irbesartan alone from day 0 to day 20 of gestation, at doses of 50 mg/kg/day and higher, transient effects (increased renal pelvic cavitation, hydroureter or subcutaneous oedema) were noted in full term rat foetuses but not in young animals necropsied after six weeks of age. In pregnant rabbits, at doses of 30 mg/kg/day, maternal mortality, abortion and early foetal resorptions were noted. No teratogenic effects were observed in the rat or the rabbit.
 Irbesartan is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether irbesartan or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human breast milk. Thiazides in high doses causing intense diuresis can inhibit the milk production. The use of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide during breastfeeding is not recommended.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide to the therapy of the mother.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide on the ability to drive motor vehicles or operate machinery have not been specifically studied, but based on its pharmacodynamic properties. Irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide is unlikely to affect this ability. When driving vehicles or operating machinery, it should be taken into account that occasionally dizziness may occur during treatment of hypertension.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide has been evaluated for safety in approximately 2,750 subjects in clinical studies, including 1,540 hypertensive patients treated for over 6 months and over 960 patients treated for one year or more. Adverse events in patients receiving irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide were generally mild and transient with no relationship to dose. The incidence of adverse events was not related to age, gender or race.
In placebo controlled clinical studies, including 898 irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide treated patients (usual duration of treatment 2 to 3 months), discontinuations due to any clinical or laboratory adverse event were 3.6 percent for irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide treated patients and 6.8 percent for placebo treated patients (p = 0.023).
Adverse events occurring in at least 1% of patients treated with irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide, in placebo controlled trials are shown in Table 1. The incidences of the same adverse events in the placebo, irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide control groups are also shown.
Adverse reactions (clinical events probably or possibly related to therapy as determined by the clinical investigator) that occurred in more than 2 hypertensive patients when they were taking irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide and no additional study medications in premarketing clinical trials involving 2,700 subjects, and that were not reported in the above tabulation of adverse events, are listed in the following section.
These adverse reactions have been classified using standard terminology and are categorized by body system. They are listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions:
common: those adverse reactions occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 but less than 1/10 patients;
uncommon: adverse reactions occurring in at least 1/1000 but less than 1/100 patients;
rare: those adverse reactions occurring in less than 1/1000 patients.

Cardiovascular.

Uncommon: bradycardia, disturbance of cardiac rhythm, subjective disturbance of cardiac rhythm, disturbance of ventricular rhythm, ECG abnormality, flushing, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, syncope.

Dermatological.

Uncommon: pruritus, skin discomfort.

Endocrine/ metabolic.

Common: sexual dysfunction. Uncommon: diabetes, gout, hot flashes, libido changes.

Gastrointestinal.

Uncommon: constipation, decreased appetite, abdominal distention, dry mouth, epigastric pain, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux.

General.

Uncommon: cold sensation, hyperhidrosis, malaise, weakness, weight gain.
Common: significant increase in blood creatine phosphokinase.

Musculoskeletal/ connective tissue.

Uncommon: abnormal reflexes, muscle ache, myalgia, extremity swelling, extremity weakness.

Nervous system.

Uncommon: coordination disturbance, depression, emotional lability/ disturbance, numbness, paresthesia, sleep disturbance, somnolence, vertigo.

Respiratory.

Uncommon: dry nasopharynx, dyspnoea, wheezing.

Special senses.

Uncommon: abnormal hearing, taste disturbance, vision disturbance.
Other clinical adverse reactions reported with the use of irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone include:

Cardiovascular.

Subjective rhythm disturbance, flushing, ECG abnormality, cardiac murmur, cardiac rhythm disturbance, orthostatic hypotension, atrial rhythm disturbance, conduction disorder, myocardial infarction.

Dermatological.

Facial erythema, dermatitis, acne, scalp hair abnormality.

Endocrine/ metabolic/ electrolyte imbalance.

Breast disorder, hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, hyperuricaemia, electrolyte imbalance (including hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia).

Gastrointestinal.

Abnormal stool, increased appetite, oral lesion, dysphagia, oesophagitis, anorexia, gastric irritation, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice), pancreatitis, sialadenitis, xanthopsia.

General.

Weakness, weight gain, warmth sensation, pain.

Haematopoietic.

Leucopenia, neutropenia/ agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia.

Immunology/ sensitivity disorder.

Upper extremity oedema, head/ neck oedema, photosensitivity reactions, fever, urticaria, necrotizing angiitis, (vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis), respiratory distress (including pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema), anaphylactic reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Musculoskeletal/ connective tissue.

Arthritis, stiffness lower extremity, muscle spasm, weakness.

Nervous system.

Stress related disorder, tremor, disturbing dreams, restlessness.

Renal/ genitourinary.

Urination abnormality, renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis.

Respiratory.

Epistaxis.

Special senses.

Eye disturbance - other, eyelid abnormality, visual field abnormality, medication bad taste, eye disorders (transient blurred vision, secondary angle closure glaucoma and/or acute myopia) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Post-marketing experience.

As with other angiotensin II receptor antagonists, hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions including anaphylactic shock) have been reported. The following have also been reported during postmarketing surveillance: vertigo, asthenia, hyperkalaemia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia (including thrombocytopenic purpura), myalgia, jaundice, elevated liver function tests, hepatitis, arthralgia, tinnitus, psoriasis (and psoriasis exacerbation) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use), photosensitivity, choroidal effusion, impaired renal function including cases of renal failure in patients at risk, and hypoglycaemia (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Rare cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients receiving angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Frequency 'not known': Non-melanoma skin cancer* (Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).
*Non-melanoma skin cancer: Based on available data from epidemiological studies, cumulative dose-dependent association between HCTZ and NMSC has been observed (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems and contact Apotex Medical Information Enquiries/Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting on 1800 195 055.

4.9 Overdose

Experience in adults exposed to irbesartan doses of up to 900 mg/day for 8 weeks revealed no toxicity. No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide. The patient should be closely monitored, and the treatment should be symptomatic and supportive, including fluid and electrolyte replacement. Irbesartan is not removed from the body by haemodialysis.
The most common signs and symptoms observed in adults exposed to hydrochlorothiazide are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia, hyponatraemia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. If a cardiac glycoside (e.g. digoxin) or other antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. sotalol) has also been administered, hypokalaemia may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias. The degree to which hydrochlorothiazide is removed by haemodialysis has not been established.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide is an oral antihypertensive agent combining a nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor (AT1 subtype) antagonist, irbesartan, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide.
Irbesartan is a specific antagonist of angiotensin II receptors (AT1 subtype). Angiotensin II is an important component of the renin angiotensin system and is involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and in sodium homeostasis. Irbesartan does not require metabolic activation for its activity.
Irbesartan blocks the potent vasoconstrictor and aldosterone secreting effects of angiotensin II by selective antagonism of the angiotensin II (AT1 subtype) receptors localized on vascular smooth muscle cells and in the adrenal cortex. It has no agonist activity at the AT1 receptor and a much greater affinity (more than 8500-fold) for the AT1 receptor than for the AT2 receptor (a receptor that has not been shown to be associated with cardiovascular homeostasis).
Irbesartan does not inhibit enzymes involved in the renin angiotensin system (i.e. renin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)) or affect other hormone receptors or ion channels involved in the cardiovascular regulation of blood pressure and sodium homeostasis.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a benzothiadiazine (thiazide) diuretic with diuretic, natriuretic and antihypertensive effects. The mechanism of antihypertensive effect of thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide is not fully known. Thiazides affect the renal tubular mechanism of electrolyte reabsorption, increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts. Natriuresis causes a secondary loss of potassium and bicarbonate. Hydrochlorothiazide increases plasma renin activity, increases aldosterone secretion, and decreases serum potassium. Coadministration of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist tends to reverse the potassium loss associated with thiazide diuretics.

Clinical trials.

Based on data from placebo controlled clinical trials, the following effects were noted. The blood pressure lowering effect of irbesartan in combination with hydrochlorothiazide was apparent after the first dose and substantially present within 1-2 weeks, with the maximal effect occurring by 6-8 weeks. In long-term follow-up studies, the blood pressure lowering effect of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide with dose to response addition of adjunctive therapy was maintained for over one year.
The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan produced dose related additive reductions in blood pressure across their therapeutic dose ranges. The addition of 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide to 300 mg irbesartan once daily in patients not adequately controlled on 300 mg irbesartan alone resulted in further placebo corrected diastolic blood pressure reductions at trough (24 hours postdosing) of 6.1 mmHg. The combination of 300 mg irbesartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide resulted in an overall placebo subtracted systolic/ diastolic reductions of up to 13.6/11.5 mmHg.
Limited clinical data (7 out of 22 patients) suggest that patients not controlled with the 300/12.5 mg combination may respond when uptitrated to 300/25 mg. In these patients, an incremental blood pressure lowering effect was observed for both SBP and DBP (13.3 and 8.3 mmHg, respectively).
Once daily dosing with 150 mg irbesartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide showed systolic/ diastolic mean placebo adjusted blood pressure reductions at trough (24 hours postdosing) of 12.9/6.9 mmHg. Peak effects occurred at 3-6 hours.
When assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide 150/12.5 mg once daily produced consistent reduction in blood pressure over the 24 hours period with a mean 24 hour placebo subtracted systolic/ diastolic reductions of 15.8/10.0 mmHg. The observed trough to peak effects were at least 68% of the corresponding placebo subtracted peak diastolic and peak systolic responses.
In a clinical trial with patients not adequately controlled on 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide alone after 4 weeks' treatment, the addition of irbesartan (with dose to response up titration from 75 mg to 150 mg at 6 weeks) produced mean systolic/ diastolic reductions at 12 weeks which were 11.1/7.2 mmHg greater than hydrochlorothiazide alone.
Blood pressure was lowered to about the same extent in both standing and supine positions. Orthostatic effects were infrequent, but may be expected to occur in patients who develop intercurrent sodium and/or volume depletion.
The effect of the combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide on morbidity and mortality has not been studied. Epidemiological studies have shown that long-term treatment with hydrochlorothiazide reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
The effectiveness of irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide was not influenced by age, race, or gender. The overall antihypertensive response to the combination was similar for black and nonblack patients.
After withdrawal of irbesartan, blood pressure gradually returned toward baseline. Rebound hypertension was not observed with irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide.
With hydrochlorothiazide, onset of diuresis occurred in 2 hours, and peak effect occurred at about 4 hours, while the action persisted for approximately 6-12 hours.

Non-melanoma skin cancer.

Based on available data from epidemiological studies, cumulative dose-dependent association between HCTZ and non-melanoma skin cancer has been observed. One study included a population comprised of 71,553 cases of BCC and of 8,629 cases of SCC matched to 1,430,883 and 172,462 population controls, respectively. High HCTZ use (≥ 50,000 mg cumulative) was associated with an adjusted OR of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.23-1.35) for BCC and 3.98 (95% CI: 3.68-4.31) for SCC. A clear cumulative dose-response relationship was observed for both BCC and SCC. Another study showed a possible association between risk of lip cancer (SCC) and exposure to HCTZ: 633 cases of lip cancer were matched with 63,067 population controls, using a risk-set sampling strategy. A clear cumulative dose response relationship was demonstrated with an adjusted OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.7-2.6) for ever-use, OR 3.9 (3.0-4.9) for high use (at least 25,000 mg) and OR 7.7 (5.7-10.5) for the highest cumulative dose (at least 100,000 mg) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Concomitant administration of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of either drug.

Absorption.

The oral bioavailabilities of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide measured after administration are similar to the bioavailabilities of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide administered as separate entities. The absolute oral bioavailability for irbesartan has previously been shown to be 60-80% whilst the absolute oral bioavailability for hydrochlorothiazide is documented as 50-80%.
Food does not affect the bioavailability of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Peak plasma concentrations occur 1.5-2 hours after oral administration for irbesartan and 1-2.5 hours for hydrochlorothiazide.

Distribution.

Irbesartan is 90% protein bound in the plasma, and has negligible binding to cellular components of blood. The volume of distribution is 53-93 litres (0.72-1.24 litres/kg). Hydrochlorothiazide is 68% protein bound in the plasma, and its apparent volume of distribution is 0.83-1.141 litres/kg.

Metabolism.

In plasma, unchanged irbesartan accounts for more than 80% of the circulating radioactivity following oral or intravenous administration of 14C-irbesartan. Irbesartan is metabolized by the liver via glucuronide conjugation and oxidation. The major circulating metabolite is irbesartan glucuronide (~6%). Irbesartan undergoes oxidation primarily by the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP2C9; isoenzyme CYP3A4 has negligible effect. It is not metabolized by, nor does it substantially induce or inhibit most isoenzymes commonly associated with drug metabolism (i.e. CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, or CYP2E1). Irbesartan does not induce nor inhibit isoenzyme CYP3A4.
Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized.

Excretion.

Irbesartan and its metabolites are excreted by both biliary and renal routes. About 20% of the administered radioactivity after an oral or intravenous dose of 14C-irbesartan is recovered in urine with the remainder in the faeces. Less than 2% of the dose is excreted in urine as unchanged irbesartan.
The terminal elimination half-life (t½) of irbesartan from plasma is 11-15 hours. The total body clearance of intravenously administered irbesartan is 157-176 mL/min, of which 3.0-3.5 mL/min is renal clearance. Irbesartan exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the therapeutic dose range. Steady-state plasma concentrations are attained within 3 days after initiation of a once daily dosing regimen. Limited accumulation (< 20%) is observed in plasma upon repeated once daily dosing.
Hydrochlorothiazide is eliminated by the kidneys. The mean plasma half-life (t½) of hydrochlorothiazide from plasma reportedly ranges from 5-15 hours.

Special populations.

In male and female hypertensive subjects, higher (11-44%) plasma concentrations of irbesartan were observed in females than in males, although, following multiple dosing, males and females did not show differences in either accumulation or elimination half-life. No gender specific differences in clinical effect have been observed.
In elderly (male and female) normotensive subjects (65-80 years) with clinically normal renal and hepatic function, the plasma AUC and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of irbesartan are approximately 20%-50% greater than those observed in younger subjects (18-40 years). Regardless of age, the elimination half-life is comparable. No significant age related differences in clinical effect have been observed. The area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) for hydrochlorothiazide was elevated in the elderly group following multiple dosing consistent with previously published data.
In black and white normotensive subjects, the plasma AUC and t½ of irbesartan are approximately 20-25% greater in blacks than in whites; the peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of irbesartan are essentially equivalent.
In patients with renal impairment (regardless of degree) and in haemodialysis patients, the pharmacokinetics of irbesartan are not significantly altered. Irbesartan is not removed by haemodialysis. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min), the elimination half-life of hydrochlorothiazide was reported to increase to 21 hours.
In patients with hepatic insufficiency due to mild to moderate cirrhosis, the pharmacokinetics of irbesartan are not significantly altered.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Irbesartan and the irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide combination were not genotoxic in a series of assays for gene mutagenic activity in bacterial and mammalian cells, and for clastogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. Hydrochlorothiazide alone was not genotoxic in a gene mutation assay in bacterial cells, or in tests for clastogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. However, positive results were obtained in a mammalian cell assay for gene mutation (mouse lymphoma cell assay), and in two other tests (sister chromatid exchange assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells and nondisjunction assay in Aspergillus nidulans).

Carcinogenicity.

The carcinogenic potential of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide in combination has not been evaluated in animal studies. However, the carcinogenic potential of irbesartan was assessed in two 104 week studies in mice and rats. No carcinogenic potential was observed in either species at doses of up to 500 mg/kg/day (male rats) and 1000 mg/kg/day (mice and female rats). The AUC based exposure levels were 3 to 6-fold higher in mice, 3-fold higher in male rats and 25-fold higher in female rats than that of humans at the maximum recommended clinical dose of 300 mg/day. With hydrochlorothiazide two year feeding studies in mice and rats uncovered no evidence of carcinogenic potential in female mice at doses up to approximately 600 mg/kg/day, or in male and female rats at doses up to approximately 100 mg/kg/day. The studies, however, uncovered equivocal evidence for hepatocarcinogenicity in male mice treated with hydrochlorothiazide at approximately 600 mg/kg/day.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Lactose monohydrate; croscarmellose sodium; povidone; Pigment Blend PB-24899 Pink; magnesium stearate; Opadry II complete film coating system 30F84418 Pink (150/12.5 mg and 300/12.5 mg tablets); Opadry II complete film coating system 30F86974 Brown (300/25 mg tablets).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Store in original container.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

APO-Irbesartan HCTZ tablets.

150/12.5 mg tablets.

Blister pack (PVC/PVdC/Al) of 30 tablets: AUST R 213302.

300/12.5 mg tablets.

Blister pack (PVC/PVdC/Al) of 30 tablets: AUST R 213303.

300/25 mg tablets.

Blister pack (PVC/PVdC/Al) of 30 tablets: AUST R 213305.
Not all strengths may be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Irbesartan is a white to off white crystalline powder. It is a relatively nonpolar compound with a partition coefficient (octanol-water) of 10.1 at a pH of 7.4. Irbesartan is slightly soluble in alcohol and methylene chloride, and practically insoluble in water.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a white crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water but freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution.

Chemical structure.

Irbesartan.
Chemical name: 2-butyl-3-[(2'- (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl) methyl]-1,3-diazaspiro [4,4] non-1-en-4-one.
Molecular formula: C25H28N6O.
Molecular weight: 428.53.

CAS number.

138402-11-6.

Chemical structure.

Hydrochlorothiazide.
Chemical name: 6-chloro-3,4- dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine- 7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide.
Molecular formula: C7H8ClN3O4S2.
Molecular weight: 297.73.

CAS number.

58-93-5.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes