Micardis (Telmisartan)

MICARDIS is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It also is used for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes in patients 55 years of age or older at high risk of developing major cardiovascular events but who are unable to take ACE inhibitors.

Dispensed from a jurisdiction where this item is approved for sale.

Directions

Take MICARDIS exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow patient instructions for safe and effective use. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Cautions

To make sure you can safely take MICARDIS, patients should thoroughly discuss their medical history with their doctor. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• congestive heart failure
• glaucoma
• asthma or allergies
• low or high levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood
• gout
• lupus
• diabetes
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin

Do not use MICARDIS if you are pregnant because it can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. It is not known whether MICARDIS passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side Effects

Most medications can cause side effects which can be defined as an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Side effects are not experienced all patients who take this medication. Many side effects can be managed, and others may go away over time.

Common side effects may include runny nose, sore throat, back pain, sinus pain and diarrhea.

Serious side effects may include eye pain, vision problems; feeling light-headed, fainting; swelling, rapid weight gain; fast or pounding heartbeats; urinating less than usual, or not at all; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects.