Patient Safety Alert: Blood Pressure Drugs Pose Dangers

Posted by Jamie Sheller
December 23, 2011 9:22 AM

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Drug maker Novartis has suspended promotion of five high blood pressure drugs after researchers saw an increased number of adverse events.

Sheller, P.C. attorneys are investigating potential claims for serious injury and possibly life-threatening side effects associated with the following high blood pressure drugs:

Tekturna®
TekturnaHCT®
Valturna®
Tekamlo®
Amturnide®

An increased number of adverse events potentially caused by the drugs were discovered in a drug trial that was terminated, according to Novartis and other sources, on December 20, 2011.

These adverse events increased when the drugs were given in combination with the heart/cardiovascular treatment ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) and ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) drugs. Patients with Type 2 diabetes are particularly at risk.

Potential side effects include:

cardiac injury (heart injury, stroke, and other)
renal (kidney injury or failure)
hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium that may present as irregular heartbeat, nausea, slow or weak pulse, muscle weakness )
hypotension (low blood pressure)

If you or anyone you know takes or has taken these drugs and has experienced cardiac (heart) or renal (kidney) injury, or other side effects listed above, contact the attorneys of the Sheller, P.C. law firm immediately to learn your legal rights and protect your health.