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Irbesartan, sold under the brand name Aprovel among others, is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease.
Medical uses
Irbesartan is used for the treatment of hypertension. It may also delay progression of diabetic nephropathy and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and microalbuminuria (>30 mg/24 h) or proteinuria (>900 mg/24 h).
Combination with diuretic
Irbesartan is also available in a fixed-dose combination formulation with hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect.
Side effects
Common side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, feeling tired, muscle pain, and heartburn.
History
Irbesartan was developed by Sanofi Research (part of Sanofi-Aventis). It is jointly marketed by Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb under the brand names Aprovel, Karvea, and Avapro. It is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the 134th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4million prescriptions.
Society and culture
Recalls
In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that some versions of the angiotensin II receptor blocker medicines (including valsartan, losartan, irbesartan and other "-sartan" drugs) contain nitrosamine impurities. Health Canada also reported nitrosamine impurities.
The FDA issued revised guidelines about nitrosamine impurities in September 2024.