Tekturna®, a blood pressure drug, has been associated with potentially life-threatening side effects such as stroke, kidney injury, high potassium and low blood pressure.
In recent study completed by Novartis, the drug’s manufacturer, Type - 2 diabetics treated with Tekturna were found to be more likely to suffer non-fatal stroke, kidney injury, high potassium, and low blood pressure than patients with Type - 2 diabetes not treated with the drug.
Generically known as Aliskiren, Tekturna is prescribed to help blood vessels relax and widen to lower blood pressure. The FDA approved Tekturna to help treat high blood pressure but may be used to treat other conditions. Other forms of this medicine may include:
- Rasilez®
- Rasilez HCT®/Tekturna HCT®
- Valturna®
- Rasilamlo®/Tekamlo®
- Rasitrio®/Amturnide®
In the first three quarters of 2011, Tekturna earned more than $449 million for the manufacturer Novartis.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Tekturna side effects involving stroke, heart or kidney complications, please contact us by clicking here and receive a FREE initial consultation with a Tekturna lawyer.
Tekturna Study Terminated
On Dec. 20, 2011, Novartis announced the early termination of its ALTITUDE trial because patients in the study had a high number of non-fatal stroke, cardiac and kidney injuries in the study population. The multinational study involved more than 8,600 patients from 36 countries.
An independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended ending the study after discovering Tekturna may increase risk for stroke, kidney complications and low blood pressure in patients taking the medication for longer than 18 months.
Following the trial's end, Novartis said it would immediately stop promotion for Aliskiren drugs, such as Tekturna, until health authorities evaluate the findings.