TARKA

Drug Name: TARKA

TARKA DESCRIPTION:
TRANDOLAPRIL - VERAPAMIL ER - ORAL (tran-DOLE-uh-prill w/ver-APP-uh-mill)

COMMON TARKA BRAND NAME(S):
Tarka

TARKA SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness or dry cough may occur during the first several days as your body adjusts to TARKA. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, swelling of hands or feet, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, muscle cramps or weakness. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever or persistent sore throat, change in amount of urine, fainting, mental/mood changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling of the face/neck, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TARKA:
TARKA: Take this product by mouth, generally once daily, with food. Your dosage will be adjusted based on your response and any drug side effects. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking TARKA suddenly without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using salt substitutes or potassium supplements.

TARKA WARNING:
TARKA can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using TARKA and immediately contact your physician.

TARKA USES:
This product contains two drugs and is used to treat high blood pressure.

TARKA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, heart problems very low blood pressure, high blood levels of potassium, a salt restricted diet, liver disease, kidney disease, swelling disorder (angioedema), muscular disorders, diabetes, upcoming surgeries/anesthesia. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit your intake of alcohol, as it may intensify drug side effects. Use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) if drowsiness occurs. This product should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy, and is not recommended for use during the last six months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Verapamil is known to be excreted into breast milk. It is unknown if trandolapril is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before you breast feed. Caution is advised when TARKA is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects.

TARKA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: diuretics (e.g., potassium sparing "water pills" such as spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, digoxin, lithium, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol, timolol), anti-arrhythmic heart drugs (e.g., disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine), rifampin, cyclosporine, theophylline, "NSAIDs" (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen); other high blood pressure drugs. Report other drugs which may cause drowsiness, such as: anti-anxiety or anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenobarbital or carbamazepine), sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine or amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) including those found in nonprescription cough- and-cold products. Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate, such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in nonprescription cough/cold medications. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TARKA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; weakness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.

TARKA NOTES:
You should have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking TARKA. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how to monitor your blood pressure. Do not share TARKA with others. Lab tests may be performed periodically.

MISSED TARKA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

TARKA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert (TM)at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.