TARKA

This medicine contains two active ingredients, 180 mg of verapamil and 2 mg of trandolapril.  Verapamil belongs to a group of medicines called 'calcium-channel blockers'. They lower the amount of calcium in the walls of the arteries and in the heart by interfering with the way calcium passes into certain muscle cells. Trandolapril belongs to the group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. ACE inhibitors do not allow the production of angiotensin II hormone which causes the compression of the blood vessels, so that they are relaxed and wide and the blood pressure is lowered. This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).

Is Tarka suitable for me?

Tarka is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• If you are allergic to verapamil, trandolapril, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have recently had heart attack
• If you have heart failure or second or third degree heart block
• If you suffer from a slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• If you have low blood pressure (hypotension)
• If you have obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (swelling of the heart muscles)
• If you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome  
• If you have serious liver or kidney problems
• If your adrenal gland produces too many hormones (primary aldosteronism)
• If you are more than 3 months pregnant
• If you are under 18 years of age

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have any other problems with your heart
• are going to have an operation
• suffer from myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• have liver or kidney problems
• are elderly
• have diabetes
• have altered potassium levels
• are at risk of a heart attack or stroke
• have porphyria (a blood disorder)
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Tarka interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Tarka?

This medicine is available in form of a modified-release tablet.

You should take Tarka exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will depend on your age, condition and needs.

• The usual dose is one tablet taken once a day, in the morning.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Tarka side effects?

Like all medicines Tarka can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• coughing
• dizziness, headache
• vertigo
• constipation
• flushing and redness

Uncommon:

• allergic reactions
• drowsiness
• shaking/trembling
• palpitations
• fast or slow heart beats
• chest pain
• stomach and intestine problems
• nausea, stomach pain
• diarrhea
• sweating
• abnormal liver function test
• frequent urination
• increased fat lipid levels in the blood (hyperlipidemia)

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.