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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Twynsta contains a combination of amlodipine and telmisartan. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Amlodipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Twynsta is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Take Twynsta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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 Twynsta with or without food, at the same time each day. You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent blood tests. Keep using Twynsta as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each tablet in the blister pack until you are ready to take one.
Do not use Twynsta if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control. Stop using Twynsta and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should not use Twynsta if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or telmisartan (Micardis), or if you have diabetes and are taking aliskiren. Before you use Twynsta, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some cases, you may not be able to use Twynsta, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions. Certain other drugs may interact with amlodipine and telmisartan or should not be used at the same time. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using. Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance. In rare cases, Twynsta 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.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Twynsta: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, Twynsta 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, or dark colored urine. Call your doctor at once if you have: a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; new or worsened chest pain; pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; tremors, muscle stiffness or twitching; or high potassium - nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement. Common Twynsta side effects may include: swelling in your hands or feet; fast or pounding heartbeats; dizziness, drowsiness; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); back pain; or nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain.