Brand Names: Micardis

Generic Name: telmisartan (Pronunciation: TEL mi SAR tan)

• What is telmisartan (Micardis)?
• What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?
• What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan (Micardis)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking telmisartan (Micardis)?
• How should I take telmisartan (Micardis)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Micardis)?
• What happens if I overdose (Micardis)?
• What should I avoid while taking telmisartan (Micardis)?
• What other drugs will affect telmisartan (Micardis)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is telmisartan (Micardis)?

Telmisartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart problems in people who are at least 55 years old with risk factors for serious heart disorders.

Telmisartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Micardis 40 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 51H 51H, LOGO

Micardis 80 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with 52H 52H, LOGO

What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, telmisartan 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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• painful or difficult urination;
• chest pain;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
• swelling in your hands or feet.

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
• back pain;
• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• tired feeling;
• weakness; or
• increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan (Micardis)?

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Telmisartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to telmisartan.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of telmisartan.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking telmisartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, telmisartan 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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.