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Sandoz Telmisartan

(telmisartan)

In this factsheet:
• How does Sandoz Telmisartan work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Sandoz Telmisartan?
• What form(s) does Sandoz Telmisartan come in?
• Who should NOT take Sandoz Telmisartan?
• What side effects are possible with Sandoz Telmisartan?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Sandoz Telmisartan?
• What other drugs could interact with Sandoz Telmisartan?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Sandoz Telmisartan work? What will it do for me?

Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. These medications reduce blood pressure by blocking the actions of a chemical (angiotensin II) that causes blood vessels to constrict or tighten. It is used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure.

When blood pressure is allowed to remain high for a long time, the blood vessels of the heart, kidneys, and brain may become damaged. This puts a person at increased risk for heart attack and stroke as well as kidney failure and blindness. Keeping blood pressure in the normal range can reduce the risk for these conditions.

Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack in people who cannot use another type of medication called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Sandoz Telmisartan?

The recommended adult dose of telmisartan is 80 mg once a day at approximately the same time each day, with or without food. It will take about 2 weeks for reductions in blood pressure to become noticeable and another 2 weeks until the full effects of the medication are realized. People with reduced liver function are usually given 40 mg once daily to start.

It is important to take this medication regularly and to follow your doctor's instructions regarding blood pressure monitoring to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Store telmisartan at normal room temperature in a dry place (not in the bathroom) and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not remove tablets from their blister-pack until you are ready to take them.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Sandoz Telmisartan come in?

40 mg
Each white, oblong, plane tablet, engraved with "223" on one side and "SZ" on the other side, contains 40 mg telmisartan. Nonmedicinal ingredients: crospovidone, lactose anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, meglumine, povidone, and sodium hydroxide.

80 mg
Each white, oblong, plane tablet, engraved with "224" on one side and "SZ" on the other side, contains 80 mg telmisartan. Nonmedicinal ingredients: crospovidone, lactose anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, meglumine, povidone, and sodium hydroxide.

Who should NOT take Sandoz Telmisartan?

Telmisartan should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to telmisartan or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is pregnant
• is breast-feeding

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