Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TRANDOLAPRIL - VERAPAMIL ER - ORAL

(tran-DOLE-uh-prill w/ver-APP-uh-mill)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tarka

WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.

Uses

This product contains two drugs and is used to treat high blood pressure.

How To Use

Take this product by mouth, generally once daily, with food. Your dosage will be adjusted based on your response and any drug side effects. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using salt substitutes or potassium supplements.

Side Effects

Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or dry cough may occur during the first several days as your body adjusts to this medication. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, swelling of hands or feet, muscle cramps or weakness. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever or persistent sore throat, change in amount of urine, fainting, mental/mood changes. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling of the face/neck, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, heart problems very low blood pressure, high blood levels of potassium, a salt restricted diet, liver disease, kidney disease, swelling disorder (angioedema), muscular disorders, diabetes, upcoming surgeries/anesthesia. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Verapamil prolongs and intensifies the effects of alcohol in your system. Avoid (or very carefully limit) alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) if drowsiness occurs. This product should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy, and is not recommended for use during the last six months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Verapamil is known to be excreted into breast milk. It is unknown if trandolapril is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before you breast feed. Caution is advised when this medication is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: diuretics (e.g., potassium sparing "water pills" such as spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, intravenous (IV) calcium, digoxin, lithium, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol, timolol), anti-arrhythmic heart drugs (e.g., disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine), rifampin, cyclosporine, theophylline, "NSAIDs" (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen), other high blood pressure drugs. Report other drugs which may cause drowsiness, such as: anti-anxiety or anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenobarbital or carbamazepine), sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine or amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) including those found in nonprescription cough- and-cold products. Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate, such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in nonprescription cough/cold medications. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; weakness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.

Notes

You should have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how to monitor your blood pressure. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).