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Micardis

(telmisartan)

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

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Micardis?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• back pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• eczema or skin rash
• headache
• heartburn
• joint pain
• nervousness
• rash
• upper respiratory tract infection (such as colds or sinus infections)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• chest pain
• fainting
• palpitations
• swelling of ankles
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; difficulty breathing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Micardis?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Kidney disease: Telmisartan may worsen kidney disease. People with this condition should be cautious while taking this medication.

Low blood pressure: People with orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by standing up, which may lead to fainting) should be cautious while taking telmisartan, as it can worsen the condition. The first time this medication is taken, it may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. This may be reduced by taking the medication in a sitting position and being careful to rise slowly to a standing position. The dizziness usually improves after the first dose, but if the medication is stopped and then started again, it may reappear. The doctor may also adjust the dose.

Liver disease: People with liver disease should be cautious while taking telmisartan because this medication may be cleared more slowly from the body, resulting in increased side effects.

Pregnancy: Telmisartan should not be taken during pregnancy. If you discover you are pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking the medication and tell your doctor at once.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if telmisartan passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children:The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with Micardis?

There may be an interaction between telmisartan and any of the following:

• anti-inflammatory medications known as NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, diclofenac)
• blood pressure medications known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril)
• diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
• digoxin
• lithium
• medications that increase the level of potassium in the blood (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, or salt substitutes that contain potassium)
• potassium supplements

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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