This product is used to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart
attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications:
telmisartan and amlodipine. Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker
(ARB) and amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. They both work
differently to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more
easily.
These medications are used together when one drug is not
controlling your blood pressure. Your doctor may direct you to start taking
the individual medications first, and then switch you to this combination
product if it is the best dose combination for you.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking telmisartan/amlodipine and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep
taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood
pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the
full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or
increase).
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body
adjusts to the medication. Swelling hands/ankles/feet or flushing may also
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fainting
- fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle
weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
Some people who already have severe heart disease may
rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this
medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you
experience:
- worsening chest pain
- symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain,
shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to either telmisartan or amlodipine; or to
other calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine); or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- high level of potassium in the blood
- dehydration
- heart disease (such as aortic stenosis, heart failure)
- bile duct blockage
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause
dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have
severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids
unless your doctor tells you not to.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This product may increase your potassium levels. Before
using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine
(kidney problems).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using
telmisartan/amlodipine. Telmisartan may harm an unborn baby. If you become
pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of
this medication. (See also Warning section.)
It is unknown if telmisartan passes into breast milk.
Amlodipine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
See also Precautions section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- aliskiren
- lithium
- drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood
(such as sparsentan, ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth
control pills containing drospirenone)
Some products have ingredients that could raise your
blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask
how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as potassium levels,
kidney function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work
better include stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might
benefit you.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking
this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and
share the results with your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not remove the medication from the blister pack until right before
using. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.