Telmisartan (By Mouth)

Telmisartan (tel-mi-SAR-tan)

Treats high blood pressure.

Brand Name(s):

Micardis
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to telmisartan, or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take the medicine with or without food.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood thinners (Coumadin®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), or diuretics ("water pills") such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Lotrel®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®, Norvasc®, Zestoretic®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain
• Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.