Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Inspra (Eplerenone).
Diabetes: People with diabetes that have heart failure after a heart attack, especially those who have proteinuria (protein in the urine), appear to have a higher rate of hyperkalemia (high blood potassium; see below). If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Inspra (Eplerenone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inspra (Eplerenone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney problems: The safety of Inspra (Eplerenone) when used to treat people with moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction has not been determined. These people should not take Inspra (Eplerenone).
If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Inspra (Eplerenone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inspra (Eplerenone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Inspra (Eplerenone) to build up in the body, causing side effects.
If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Inspra (Eplerenone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inspra (Eplerenone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
The safety of Inspra (Eplerenone) when used to treat people with severe liver dysfunction has not been determined. These people should not take Inspra (Eplerenone).
Potassium levels: Too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) is one of the most common risks of Inspra (Eplerenone). Hyperkalemia that is not recognized and treated can cause serious heart rhythm problems, which can sometimes be fatal. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels before starting Inspra (Eplerenone), during the first week of taking Inspra (Eplerenone), and periodically throughout your therapy.
Do not take potassium supplements (including dietary potassium) or salt substitutes at the same time as Inspra (Eplerenone) unless directed to do so by your doctor. If you experience an irregular, slow, or weak heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Inspra (Eplerenone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Inspra (Eplerenone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Inspra (Eplerenone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Inspra (Eplerenone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Inspra (Eplerenone) have not been established for children. Inspra (Eplerenone) is not recommended for children.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects from this mediation as a result of decreased kidney function. Doses for seniors may start lower and increase more slowly than for other adults.