Micardis

Micardis

     * Generic Name: telmisartan
     * Brand Name: Micardis


     * What is telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * How should I take telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Micardis)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Micardis)?
     * What should I avoid while taking telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * What other drugs will affect telmisartan (Micardis)?
     * Where can I get more information (Micardis)?

What is telmisartan (Micardis)?

   Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.
   Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood
   pressure and improves blood flow.

   Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure
   (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood
   pressure medications.

   Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart
   attack, or death from heart problems in people who are at least 55
   years old with risk factors for serious heart disorders.

   Telmisartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the
   breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
   Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
   tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
   tiredness, and dark colored urine.

   Also call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * little or no urinating;
     * swelling, rapid weight gain; or
     * high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle
       weakness, tingly feeling).

   Common side effects may include:
     * stuffy nose, sinus pain;
     * back pain; or
     * diarrhea.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan
(Micardis)?

   Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become
   pregnant. Telmisartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if
   you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

   If you have diabetes, do not use telmisartan together with any
   medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna,
   Tekamlo, Valturna).

   Micardis Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking telmisartan
(Micardis)?

   You should not use telmisartan if you are allergic to it.

   If you have diabetes, do not use telmisartan together with any
   medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo,
   Valturna).

   You may also need to avoid taking telmisartan with aliskiren if you
   have kidney disease.

   To make sure telmisartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
     * liver disease;
     * heart disease;
     * if you are dehydrated; or
     * if you are on a low salt diet.

   FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using
   and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Telmisartan can
   cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine
   during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.

   It is not known whether telmisartan passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

How should I take telmisartan (Micardis)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   You may take telmisartan with or without food.

   Do not crush, chew, or break a telmisartan tablet. Swallow it whole.

   Keep each tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it.
   Tear or cut the blister apart from the rest of the package and peel
   back the paper liner. Push the tablet through the foil to remove it.

   It may take 2 to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the
   medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
   improve.

   Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

   You may have very low blood pressure while taking telmisartan. Call
   your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you
   are sweating more than usual.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
   your life.

   Store telmisartan tablets in their original package at room
   temperature, away from moisture and heat.

   Micardis Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Micardis)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Micardis)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking telmisartan (Micardis)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may
   increase some of the side effects of telmisartan.

   Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are
   taking telmisartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

What other drugs will affect telmisartan (Micardis)?

   Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or
   stop using during your treatment with telmisartan, especially:
     * digoxin;
     * lithium;
     * a diuretic or "water pill";
     * NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin,
       ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib,
       diclofenac, indomethacin, or meloxicam, and others; or
     * ramipril or other blood pressure medicines.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with telmisartan,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Micardis)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about telmisartan.
     __________________________________________________________________