March 19, 2007 - 6:55am
Tekturna (aliskiren), the first new class of hypertension drug in more than ten years, received FDA approval on March 6th. Tekturna is made by Novartis and will be available by prescription later this month.
Once daily administration of Tekturna blocks renin, a compound produced by the kidneys, which contributes to narrowing of blood vessels. Blocking renin relaxes the vessels and reduces blood pressure.
Tekturna has mild side effects but, like many other drugs, is contraindicated during pregnancy since Tekturna could harm an unborn baby.
For more information, please see the Tekturna website.
Pill Identification - TEKTURNA
150 mg - round light pink tablet imprinted NVR on one side and IL on the other side
300 mg - oval light red tablet imprinted NVR on one side and IU on the other side
Patient Information - TEKTURNA