Micardis

The active ingredient in Micardis is telmisartan. Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These medications target the renin-angiotensin system, which is involved in regulating our blood pressure and our fluid and electrolyte balance. Within this pathway, ARBs will stop a hormone called angiotensin II from binding and acting on our blood vessels and adrenal glands. When they act on blood vessels, they prevent constriction, relaxing the blood vessels and effectively lowering blood pressure. When they act on the adrenal glands, they prevent the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone is involved in retaining fluid and sodium in our bodies, both of which increase blood pressure, so preventing its production also helps in controlling your blood pressure.

Other antihypertensives that also work on the renin-angiotensin system include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) such as ramipril or perindopril. However, these medications have a slightly different mechanism of action as they work on an earlier step in the pathway compared to angiotensin receptor blockers.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Micardis. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Micardis:

• Micardis should be used exactly as prescribed.
• Typically, Micardis is taken once a day at the same time every day with or without food.
• When you first start Micardis, your doctor may send you in for blood work to ensure your serum creatinine levels are normal. Serum creatinine is a marker of kidney dysfunction and can sometimes increase above the threshold that is acceptable to continue Micardis. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information. They will know or recommend what is best for you.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Some common side effects of Micardis include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Back pain
• Sinusitis
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Urinary tract infection

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Micardis. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of hypotension or low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness or feeling faint or dizzy, especially when going from sitting to standing. In general, this is a risk with starting any antihypertensive at too high a dose. However, there is an increased risk if you are also taking a water pill (otherwise known as a diuretic), are on a low-salt diet, are on dialysis, have heart problems, or are experiencing fluid loss due to vomiting or diarrhea.
• Signs of kidney problems such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and edema or swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands. If you already have kidney disease, these symptoms may worsen.
• Signs of hyperkalemia or high potassium levels such as nausea, vomiting, racing heart, heart palpitations, chest pain, and muscle pain or weakness. You are at an increased risk of this side effect if you have advanced renal impairment, heart failure, are taking potassium supplements, are taking potassium-sparing diuretics, or using salt substitutes containing potassium.
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, rash, or swelling of the eyes, face, or tongue

These are not all of the possible side effects of Micardis. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Micardis, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Heart problems
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Boxed Warning

• Micardis should not be used in pregnancy due to the risk of fetal death. If pregnancy is detected while using Micardis, discontinue immediately.

Do not use Micardis if you have:

• An allergy to telmisartan or any of the other ingredients in Micardis
• Are pregnant

It typically takes this medication about an hour to reach peak levels in the body, which is when you may see the effects of telmisartan on your blood pressure. However, everyone is different, and it may take a couple of weeks of regular use to see a difference.

When Micardis is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Aliskiren
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin

Micardis tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 20 mg tablet
• 40 mg tablet
• 80 mg tablet

Micardis is also available as a combination pill called Micardis HCT. In addition to telmisartan, it also contains another antihypertensive called hydrochlorothiazide that has additional blood pressure-lowering effects. This combo pill is also available in an oral tablet dosage form.

Micardis should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children. Tablets should be kept in their original blister packaging until use.

Micardis is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Micardis.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Micardis.

Micardis should not be used in pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Micardis can pass into the breast milk during lactation. However, it is generally not recommended to take Micardis if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.