Aliskiren Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2024.

Applies to aliskiren: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; pellet)

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue aliskiren as soon as possible, since drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.

Serious side effects of aliskiren

Along with its needed effects, aliskiren may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aliskiren:

Less common side effects

• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty with breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain
• blood in the urine
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of bladder control
• loss of consciousness
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• pain in the groin or genitals
• sharp back pain just below the ribs
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• itching
• muscle pain
• rapid weight gain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects of aliskiren

Some side effects of aliskiren may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• back pain
• belching
• dizziness
• heartburn
• indigestion
• muscle aches
• rash
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to aliskiren: oral tablet.

Hypersensitivity adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema (face, hands, and body) with or without respiratory symptoms
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Two cases of angioedema with respiratory symptoms were reported with aliskiren use in clinical studies, and two other cases of periorbital edema without respiratory symptoms were reported as possible angioedema and resulted in discontinuation. The rate of angioedema cases in completed studies was 0.06%. Twenty-six other cases of edema involving the face, hands, or whole body were reported with aliskiren use, including four which led to discontinuation. In the placebo controlled studies, the incidence of edema involving the face, hands or whole body was 0.4% with aliskiren compared with 0.5% with placebo.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux (these side effects appear to be dose related)
• Postmarketing reports: Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

In women and the elderly (65 years of age or older), increases in diarrhea rates were evident starting at a dose of 150 mg daily. Diarrhea and other GI symptoms were typically mild and rarely led to discontinuation.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema (involving the face, hands, or whole body)
• Postmarketing reports: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (including Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevated uric acid, gout, renal stones
• Postmarketing reports: Peripheral edema, hyponatremia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, episodes of tonic-clonic seizures with loss of consciousness.^[Ref]

Episodes of tonic-clonic seizures were reported in two patients treated with aliskiren in the clinical trials. One patient had predisposing causes for seizures and a negative electroencephalogram (EEG) and cerebral imaging following the seizures (the other patient's EEG and imaging results were not reported). Aliskiren was discontinued and there was no rechallenge.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, cough^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypotension^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Small decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit
• Postmarketing reports: Increased blood creatinine^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain

Other

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Parosmia
• Frequency not reported: Tinnitus^[Ref]

Further information

Aliskiren side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer