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The following safety and warning information is crucial for anyone taking Lotrel (amlodipine/benazepril). It is important to understand the potential risks and necessary precautions associated with this medication. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

• Pregnancy Warning: Lotrel should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of severe, potentially fatal harm to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect you might be pregnant, inform your healthcare provider immediately to discuss safer alternatives for managing your blood pressure.

• Angioedema Risk: This medication contains an ACE inhibitor, which can cause angioedema, a serious condition involving swelling of the face, throat, or tongue. This swelling can be life-threatening as it may obstruct breathing. Swelling is more prevalent in Black individuals and can occur anytime during treatment. Seek emergency medical care if you experience swelling, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing.

• Low Blood Pressure: Lotrel can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose. To prevent this, maintain proper hydration. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down slowly and inform your healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention if you sustain a head injury from a fall.

• Heart Attack or Chest Pain Risk: Some individuals may experience worsening chest pain or a heart attack while on Lotrel, particularly at the beginning of treatment or with dose changes. Risk is heightened for those with coronary artery disease. Contact a medical professional right away if you experience chest pain, pressure, heartburn, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

• Kidney Damage: Lotrel can impair kidney function, especially in individuals with heart failure, existing kidney issues, or those using medications that affect the kidneys. Regular lab tests may be necessary to monitor kidney health. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience reduced urination, as it may indicate kidney problems.

• High Potassium Levels: The medication may cause elevated potassium levels in the blood, even in those with healthy kidneys. This risk is increased if you are taking other potassium-raising medications. Report symptoms such as nausea, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat to your provider immediately, as untreated high potassium can be dangerous.

• Liver Problems: Although rare, some individuals taking Lotrel have experienced serious liver issues. If you notice symptoms like yellowing skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, or dark urine, seek medical attention promptly. Your provider may advise discontinuing the medication to prevent further liver damage.

Contraindications:

• Do not use Lotrel if you have a history of angioedema.
• Avoid concurrent use with aliskiren (Tekturna) if you have diabetes.
• Do not take Lotrel within 36 hours of neprilysin inhibitors like Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan).

Always inform your healthcare provider about any existing conditions or other medications you are taking to ensure Lotrel is safe for you.

Common side effects:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet

Less common but important to monitor:

• Rashes
• Skin flushing
• Sleepiness

Serious side effects:

• Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath)
• Severe liver problems (persistent nausea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Angioedema (severe swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)
• High potassium levels (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat)
• Serious kidney issues (decreased urination, swelling in the extremities)
• Dangerously low blood pressure (faintness, pale skin)

Interactions with high risk of serious adverse effects and should be avoided:

• Aliskiren
• Sacubitril
• Desensitization injections for bee or wasp allergies

Interactions with moderate risk that may require dose adjustment, closer monitoring, or timing changes:

• Everolimus
• Sirolimus
• Lithium
• ARBs (e.g., losartan, valsartan)
• Drospirenone (in birth control pills)
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)