Micardis (Telmisartan) is used for:

Treating high blood pressure alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Micardis is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by relaxing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Do NOT use Micardis if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Micardis

you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Micardis:

Some medical conditions may interact with Micardis. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances

if you are able to become pregnant

if you have a history of angioedema (eg, swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness), including angioedema caused by treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (eg, lisinopril)

if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure), blood vessel problems, blood flow problems, liver or kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or diabetes

if you have a history of stroke or recent heart attack

if you are dehydrated or have low blood volume

if you have electrolyte problems (eg, high blood potassium levels, low blood sodium levels) or are on a low-salt (sodium) diet

if you are on dialysis or are scheduled to have major surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Micardis. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood pressure may be increased

Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, triamterene) or potassium supplements because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased

ACE inhibitors (eg, lisinopril) because the risk of kidney problems may be increased

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, celecoxib, indomethacin) because they may decrease Micardis's effectiveness

Digoxin or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Micardis

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Micardis may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.



How to use Micardis:

Use Micardis as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Micardis by mouth with or without food.

Do not remove the tablet from the blister seal until you are ready to take your dose.

Take Micardis on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Micardis at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

Continue to take Micardis even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

If you miss a dose of Micardis, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Micardis.

Important safety information:

Micardis may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Micardis with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Micardis may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Micardis may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.

Micardis may not work as well in black patients. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Micardis before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Lab tests, including blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, and heart, kidney, or liver function, may be performed while you use Micardis. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Micardis should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Micardis may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Micardis is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Micardis.

Possible side effects of Micardis:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; dizziness; upper respiratory tract infection.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; hoarseness); change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; difficulty swallowing; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or cramps; symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, fainting, lightheadedness, severe dizziness).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Proper storage of Micardis:

Store Micardis at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Micardis out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about Micardis, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider.

Micardis is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Micardis. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.