FDA Warns Against Using Aliskiren With Certain Other Drugs; Updates Label

The Food and Drug Administration April 20 warned that blood pressure medicines containing aliskiren should not be taken with other drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with diabetes or kidney impairment.

These drug combinations should not be used (are contraindicated) in patients with diabetes, the agency said. In addition, a new warning is being added to avoid use of these drug combinations in patients with kidney impairment.

Aliskiren is found in the following medications: Amturnide (aliskiren hemifumarate, amlodipine besylate, and hydrochlorothiazide); Tekturna (aliskiren hemifumarate); Tekturna HCT (aliskiren hemifumarate and hydrochlorothiazide); Tekamlo (aliskiren ...