Ifirmasta (previously Irbesartan Krka)

Product Overview

About Ifirmasta (previously Irbesartan Krka)

Ifirmasta is a medicine that contains the active substance irbesartan. It is available as tablets (75, 150 and 300 mg). Ifirmasta is a ‘generic medicine’. This means that Ifirmasta is similar to a ‘reference medicine’ already authorised in the European Union (EU) called Aprovel.

What it is used for

Ifirmasta is used in adults who have essential hypertension (high blood pressure). ‘Essential’ means that the hypertension has no obvious cause. Ifirmasta is also used to treat kidney disease in adults with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription.

How it is used

The usual recommended dose of Ifirmasta is 150 mg once a day. If the blood pressure is not sufficiently controlled, the dose can be increased to 300 mg a day or other medicines for hypertension can be added, such as hydrochlorothiazide. A starting dose of 75 mg can be used in patients receiving haemodialysis (a blood clearance technique) or in patients over 75 years of age. In patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes, Ifirmasta is added to some other treatments for hypertension. Treatment is started at 150 mg once a day and is usually increased to 300 mg once a day.

How it works

The active substance in Ifirmasta, irbesartan, is an ‘angiotensin-II-receptor antagonist’, which means that it blocks the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor (a substance that narrows blood vessels). By blocking the receptors to which angiotensin II normally attaches, irbesartan stops the hormone having an effect, allowing the blood vessels to widen. This allows the blood pressure to drop, reducing the risk caused by high blood pressure, such as having a stroke.

Active substance: irbesartan

Source: EMA EPAR