Inspra (Eplerenone)

Do’s

• The dosage of Inspra is tailored to each individual and is based on the person's medical condition, their response to the treatment, and any other medications they may be currently taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• This medication should be taken by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. This is usually once or twice daily. 
• For the best results, Inspra should be used regularly. To help remember, it can be helpful to take the medication at the same time(s) each day. 
• Continue to take this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to fully affect your blood pressure.
• Regularly monitor your condition and inform your healthcare provider if it does not improve or if it worsens. This could be indicated by blood pressure readings that remain high or increase.

Common Side Effects:

• Confusion
• Lack of energy
• Cold, gray skin
• Irregular or slow heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

These side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. If you experience any of these symptoms and they are severe or do not go away, inform your healthcare provider.

Before taking Inspra or making any changes to the medication, consult a healthcare provider. This includes discussing the use of other drugs, dietary changes, and the commencement or discontinuation of any course of treatment.

Patients over 75 years did not appear to benefit from the use of Inspra. Additionally, due to age-related decreases in creatinine clearance, the incidence of laboratory-documented hyperkalemia was increased in patients 65 and older. Therefore, special attention should be given to elderly patients when considering the use of Inspra.

Patients receiving Inspra should be advised not to use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting their healthcare provider. They should also be instructed to contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, lower extremity edema, or difficulty breathing.

It is not known whether Inspra will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia. Discuss the use of Inspra with a healthcare provider if pregnancy is a consideration.

Measure serum potassium before initiating Inspra therapy, within the first week, and one month after the start of treatment or dose adjustment. Serum potassium levels should be periodically assessed thereafter.

The information provided is not exhaustive, and individuals should consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Inspra.