The European Medicines Agency has finalised a review of aliskiren-containing medicines, recommending that these should be contra-indicated in patients with diabetes or moderate to severe renal impairment who take angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The agency has also recommended the inclusion of a warning that the combination of aliskiren and ACE inhibitor ARB is not recommended in all other patients because adverse outcomes cannot be excluded.
Aliskiren-containing medicines are approved for the treatment of essential hypertension. ‘Essential’ means that there is no obvious cause for high blood pressure.
Doctors have been told to stop prescribing Aliskiren-containing medicines to patients with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) or with moderate to severe kidney impairment who are also taking an ACE inhibitor or ARB, and should consider alternative antihypertensive treatment as necessary.
For all other patients receiving aliskiren-containing medicine in combination with an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, the balance of benefits and risks of continuing treatment should be considered carefully.
Speaking today about the European Medicines Agency warnings Liam Moloney Healthcare Solicitor in Kildare said ‘’patients should immediately discuss their treatment options with their doctors at their next scheduled appointment.’’
