SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, blurred vision, or cough may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

The hydrochlorothiazide in this product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: very dry mouth, extreme thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat, nausea/vomiting, severe dizziness, confusion, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: joint pain, increased thirst/urination, decrease in vision, eye pain.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the Tekturna HCT (aliskren and hydrochlorothiazide tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to aliskiren or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an inability to make urine (anuria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, loss of too much body water (dehydration), kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, gout, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., high/low potassium, low magnesium, high calcium), high levels of fats in the blood (cholesterol/triglycerides), certain recent nerve surgery (sympathectomy).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Significant loss of body water from too much sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent these effects and dehydration. If your doctor has directed you to limit drinking fluids, consult your doctor for further instructions. Contact your doctor if you are unable to drink fluids or if you have persistent diarrhea/vomiting.

If you have diabetes, this product may change your blood sugar levels. Check your blood glucose levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst and urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.

This product may increase or decrease the potassium levels in your blood. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this product, especially dizziness and diarrhea.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.