Azor General Drug Information

Marketed Internationally as Sevikar

In some parts of the world you can buy Azor under the brand name Sevikar.

Overview

Azor helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney problems. It is a combination of two substances – amlodipine and olmesartan – both of which help relax blood vessels, easing blood flow. Internationally, Azor is marketed under the brand name Sevikar.

How to Use Azor

A treating physician will prescribe a medication course depending on the condition and response of the patient. Most patients take Azor once a day by mouth, with or without food. Usually, patients begin by taking this medication at low doses, increasing them after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy to achieve the optimal benefits. Patients should take this medication regularly. It may take as long as two weeks before they can begin to experience the full benefits of Azor.

Patients must take Azor at least four hours prior to other cholesterol-lowering medication, like cholestyramine, colesevelam and colestipol.

Precautions

Before starting Azor, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to amlodipine, olmesartan or any of inactive ingredients in their medication with their doctor. Patients should also mention any pre-existing conditions such as kidney and liver disease, severe dehydration or aortic stenosis, a serious condition of the heart valve.

Patients about to have surgery need to alert their doctor that they are taking Azor.

Azor may make people feel dizzy. Patients should use caution when driving, using machinery or performing any activity until the effects of taking Azor are known. Alcohol consumption should also be limited.

Patients need to report symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea and vomiting to their doctor, as these can lead to severe dehydration.

Azor may increase levels of potassium in the body.

Some side effects of Azor include dizziness and change in the amount of urine. Older adults are usually more sensitive to these side effects.

Pregnant women – or those planning on becoming pregnant – should know that Azor may harm their unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy. Amlodipine, one of the two active ingredients in Azor, is passed via breast milk.

Missed Dose

Patients who miss a dose should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, then patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Azor can interact with a number of other substances and before starting treatment, patients need to review all other prescription drugs and herbal supplements they are taking with their doctor. Starting, changing or stopping any medications should only happen with a doctor’s approval.

Products that may interact with Azor include blood pressure medication, Tekturna. The mineral lithium, used as a supplement to help a wide variety of conditions, may also interact with this medication.

There is a possibility for negative interactions with drugs that raise levels of potassium in the blood. This includes some birth control pills and some heart medications which contain benazepril (e.g. Fortekor) and lisinopril (e.g. Zestril).

Patients need to be cautious if they are already taking medications that can raise blood pressure. This includes some cough medicine, diet supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Azor Side Effects

As their body adjusts to Azor, patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness and headaches at the start of the treatment course. It is recommended to exercise caution when rising from a sitting or lying position. Some patients may also experience flushing. If these symptoms continue or worsen, patients need to alert their doctor.

Most people do not experience serious side effects when taking this medication, yet it is important to be vigilant. Possible symptoms include swelling of the hands, ankles or feet, as well as fast heartbeat, fainting or persistent diarrhea. Kidney problems or a build-up of potassium in the blood – characterised by muscle weakness and irregular heartbeats – may also develop.

In rare cases, patients with heart disease may experience chest pain or heart attack. Risk is present for people who have just begun the medication or recently increased their dose. It is important to monitor for symptoms of heart attack such as chest, jaw or left arm pain, as well as shortness of breath and unusual sweating.

Azor is unlikely to produce serious allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergy include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and trouble breathing.

Storage

Azor should be stored away from light and moisture, and kept away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.