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LotrelWarningBenazepril (one of the ingredients in this product) can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. PrecautionsBefore taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or benazepril; or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as nisoldipine, nifedipine); or to other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), liver disease, a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including dizziness, increases in potassium level, and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication. Benazepril may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Warning section. This product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Side EffectsDizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough or swelling hands/ankles/feet may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This product may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. Some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience: worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. |