Tekturna

Tekturna is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure. This drug is manufactured by Novartis and was approved by the FDA in 2007. At the time of its approval, Tekturna was the first drug to be approved by the FDA that was classified as a renin inhibitor.

In 2012, Novartis issued a warning to healthcare professionals informing them about Tekturna risks. In one study known as ALTITUDE, patients with type II diabetes were tested to see if Tekturna could reduce heart and kidney events. It was found that not only did the medication fail to help these events, it was actually thought to cause a higher risk of stroke, kidney complications, increased potassium levels and low blood sugar. The ALTITUDE study was discontinued because of the risk it posed to the participating patients.

Serious side effects may include:

• Feeling light-headed, fainting
• Nausea with slow uneven heart rate and a weak pulse
• Swelling around your eyes
• Severe skin reaction, such as fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Less serious side effects may include:

• Stomach pain or upset, diarrhea, heartburn;
• Itching or skin rash
• Headache, dizziness, tired feeling
• Back pain, joint pain or swelling
• Stuffy nose, sore throat, cough