Micardis

Micardis is used for:

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Treating high blood pressure. It can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications.

Micardis is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It works by decreasing certain chemicals in the body that cause blood vessels to constrict (narrow) and sodium and fluid to be stored by the kidneys.

Do NOT use Micardis if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Micardis or similar medicines
• you are past your first 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 medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a biliary obstruction or other liver or kidney disease, low blood volume, or low sodium levels in your blood

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

• Digoxin, lithium, or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone) 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 tablets from blister pack until you are ready to use them.
• 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 drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. 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.
• Although Micardis begins to reduce blood pressure after the first dose, it may take 4 weeks to produce the maximum effect.
• 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.
• Lab tests, including blood pressure, 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 not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Micardis may cause birth defects or fetal and newborn 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; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; sinus pain; upper respiratory tract infection.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine or change in the amount of urine; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; swelling of the arms and legs; unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; fast or slow heartbeat; low blood pressure.

Store this medicine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. 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.

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