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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking telmisartan (Micardis)?

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

To make sure you can safely take telmisartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• congestive heart failure; or
• if you are dehydrated.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use telmisartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Telmisartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking telmisartan.

It is not known whether telmisartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take telmisartan (Micardis)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results

You may take telmisartan with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

It may take 2 to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

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. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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