What is Micardis/Telmisartan used for?

This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure. It can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be taken by the patient in whom it was prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Micardis/Telmisartan be stored?

Store at 77 degrees F.

General drug information:

When should Micardis/Telmisartan not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications you are past your first trimester of pregnancy

What precautions should I follow when taking Micardis/Telmisartan?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have liver or kidney disease if you have severe fluid or salt retention if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Micardis/Telmisartan?

When used after the third month of pregnancy, this medicine can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Contact your doctor if you suspect that you are pregnant.

What are the side effects of Micardis/Telmisartan?

Most severe:  Chest pain; swelling of the arms and legs; serious allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

Most common:  Back pain; sinus pain; diarrhea; indigestion; upper respiratory tract infection.

Other:  Sore throat; flu-like symptoms (headache; tiredness; muscle aches; fever); upset stomach; urinary tract infection; stomach pain; dizziness; pain; coughing; nausea.

How should I take Micardis/Telmisartan?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Do not remove Tablet from the blister pack until you are ready to use them. This medicine may be taken with other high blood pressure medications. Dehydration (eg, excess sweating, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea) may increase the blood pressure-lowering effect, causing dizziness. Lifestyle changes (eg, stop smoking, weight loss, exercise, limited salt in diet) also help lower blood pressure. Pregnant women should not use this medicine after the third month of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medicine even though you may not feel quite "normal". Contact your health care provider about any new symptoms. This medicine may be effective within 2 weeks, and maximum effectiveness is usually achieved after 4 weeks. This medicine may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.