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Tekturna (Aliskiren Hemifumarate) - Indications and Dosage

 
 



INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Hypertension

Tekturna is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes. There are no controlled trials demonstrating risk reduction with Tekturna.

Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC).

Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly.

Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal.

Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Hypertension

The usual recommended starting dose of Tekturna is 150 mg once daily. In patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled, the daily dose may be increased to 300 mg. Doses above 300 mg did not give an increased blood pressure response but resulted in an increased rate of diarrhea. The antihypertensive effect of a given dose is substantially attained (85-90%) by 2 weeks.

Use with Other Antihypertensives

Tekturna may be administered with some other antihypertensive agents. In diabetics, do not use in combination with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) [see Contraindications]. Concomitant use of aliskiren with an ARB or ACEI is not recommended in patients with GFR <60 ml/min [see Warnings and Precautions]. Most exposure to date is with diuretics, an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) or a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine). Aliskiren used together with these drugs has a greater effect at their maximum recommended doses than either drug alone. It is not known whether additive effects are present when Tekturna is used with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or beta blockers (BB).

Relationship to Meals

Patients should establish a routine pattern for taking Tekturna with regard to meals. High fat meals decrease absorption substantially [see Clinical Pharmacology].

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

150 mg light pink biconvex round tablet, imprinted NVR/IL (Side 1/Side 2)

300 mg light red biconvex ovaloid round tablet, imprinted NVR/IU (Side 1/Side 2)

HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Tekturna is supplied as a light-pink, biconvex round tablet containing 150 mg of aliskiren, and as a light-red biconvex ovaloid tablet containing 300 mg of aliskiren. Tablets are imprinted with NVR on one side and IL, IU, on the other side of the 150, and 300 mg tablets, respectively.

All strengths are packaged in bottles and unit-dose blister packages (10 strips or 10 tablets) as described below in Table 6.

Table 6: Tekturna Tablets Supply
Tablet Color Imprint Imprint NDC 0078-XXXX-XX
Side 1 Side 2 Bottle of 30 Bottle of 90 Blister Packages of 100
150 mg Light-Pink NVR IL 0485-15 0485-34 0485-35
300 mg Light-Red NVR IU 0486-15 0486-34 0486-35

Store at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

Dispense in original container.

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