FDA Approves Edarbi for the Treatment of Hypertension

In the United States, a "Silent Killer' is hypertension (high blood pressure), frequently shows no symptoms until serious health concerns affect the heart, brain, vision, and kidneys. 1 Hypertension can directly cause a stroke, sexual dysfunction or risk diseases. 3 Common symptoms of hypertension include blurred vision, nosebleeds, headaches, palpitation, and slurred speech. 8 The National Institute of Aging, report more than 50% of adults over the age of 60 have high blood pressure (hypertension). 9 "The American Heart Association recently estimated that direct and indirect expenses associated with hypertension cost the nation more than $73 billion in 2009". 2

When arteries in the walls of the heart constrict, increases blood pressure measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHG) and usually assigned two numbers: Systolic and Diastolic pressure. Over 140 systolic and over 90 diastolic considered high pressure or hypertension. Risk factors for hypertension include high salt concentration, genetic history of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and predominately among African Americans. Otherwise hypertension is caused by a pre-existing medical condition (secondary hypertension). 5 Recently the Food and Administration approved EDARBI for the treatment of hypertension in adults. 2

A powerful chemical Angiotensin II (two) causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the heart leading to hypertension (high blood pressure) or vasoconstriction 6. Angiotensin two receptor blockers (ARB's) are medications that block Angiotensin from binding to the walls of the heart, reducing blood pressure. 7 In February 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved Takeda Pharmaceutical Company EDARBI (azilsartan medoxomil) for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The drug EDARBI is angiotensin II (two) blocker, relaxing restricted blood vessels. "EDARBI is approved as once-daily oral therapy for use and for use in combination with other antihypertensive medications." 2 Recommended medication dosage 80 mg once daily or 40 mg for patients taking high dosage of diuretics, lowering salt in the body. EDARBI is not recommended for pregnant women during the second or third trimester and discontinued when pregnancy is detected: May cause injury or death during the progressive development of the fetus, written on warning labels. 1

During three EDARBI clinical Takeda Global Research and Development trials (treating more 5,900 hypertension patients), the drug proved very effective ( 80 mg / day) compared to placebo and two common prescribed Angiotensin II (two) receptor blockers (Olmesartan medoxomil (40 mg / day) and valsarten (320 mg/ day)). The medication is vasopressor hormone (naturally exists within the body) reducing blood pressure. "The most common adverse reaction in adults was diarrhea (2%)". Potentially the EDARBI may worldwide treat 1.5 billion hypertension people expected by 2025. 2

References:

1.) FDA Approves Edarbi to Treat High Blood Pressure - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/217606.php

2.) FDA Approves EDARBI (azilsartan medoxomil) for the Treatment of Hypertension http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/2002866/fda_approves_edarbi_azilsartan_medoxomil_for_the_treatment_of_hypertension/index.html?source=r_health

3.) High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HI00062

4.) hypertension - http://www.answers.com/topic/hypertension

5.) MedlinePlus - Hypertension - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000468.htm

6.) Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) - http://www.mahalo.com/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blocker-arb/

7.) Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB's) - http://www.medicinenet.com/angiotensin_ii_receptor_blockers/article.htm

8.) Hypertension Symptoms - http://symptomsofhypertension.net/

9.) Age & High Blood Pressure - http://highbloodpressure.about.com/od/understandyourrisk/a/age_art.htm