GENERIC NAME: PERINDOPRIL - ORAL (per-IN-doh-prill)

BRAND NAME(S): Aceon

WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm (sometimes death) if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for heart failure or to help protect the kidneys in diabetes.

HOW TO USE: This medication is generally used once or possibly twice daily. Dosage is adjusted for each person according to medical condition being treated and medical history. Follow all directions exactly and take the medication as directed. This drug is best taken on an empty stomach at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually adjusted.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dry cough, nausea, unusual weakness, back pain or diarrhea. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Very unlikely but report immediately: unusual muscle weakness or cramps, chest pain, one-sided arm or leg weakness, vision changes, tingling of the hands or feet, fever, persistent sore throat, dizziness, fainting, unusual change in amount of urine. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), kidney problems, liver problems, heart or blood vessel diseases, history of angioedema, diabetes. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low salt products. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Extreme caution is advised if this drug is used in children. Caution is advised if this drug is used in the elderly.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use, especially of: anesthetics for surgery, narcotic pain relievers, lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing "water pills" (e.g., amiloride) and other "water pills"/diuretics, high blood pressure medication, trimethoprim-containing medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), NSAIDs (aspirin-like drugs). Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Lab tests may be done periodically.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use 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-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).