MICARDIS (TELMISARTAN)

Micardis Description

Micardis and the generic alternative called Telmisartan are known as angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may recommend that you take Micardis as a way to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Micardis or Telmisartan works by blocking certain chemicals in your body that narrow or constrict your blood vessels which pushes your heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body.

Conditions Treated by Micardis

When not addressed and treated properly, hypertension can contribute to a major risk for heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysms and other arterial diseases. Hypertension can be difficult to detect and it is primarily identified through medical screening procedures or when a patient sees a doctor about seemingly unrelated symptoms (e.g. recurring headaches, tinnitus, fainting).

Treatment for hypertension is primarily addressed through lifestyle and dietary changes. While time-consuming to start and commit to, the overall improvement in life by "getting into the habit" of a healthier lifestyle can continually prevent relapse and improve symptoms in the long term. Dietary changes include moving to a low-sodium diet. For patients who do not respond to diet/lifestyle changes or are unable to do so, medication such as Micardis or generic Telmisartan is then prescribed. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

As well as Micardis works to lower blood pressure, your physician may prescribe it to prevent kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and for those people that cannot take medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to reduce health risks after a heart attack. Drugs such as Micardis or generic Telmisartan can take up to two weeks to start lowering your blood pressure and a month to reach its full effect.

Before You Take Micardis

Be sure that your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking, including over the counter medicines and supplements. Micardis may alter the effects of other medicines.

Warnings for Micardis

Until you know how Micardis will affect you, use caution when driving or operating a vehicle. In case you are experiencing dizziness or light-headedness, sit up or stand slowly, especially first thing in the morning. You should not drink alcohol until you are used to how Micardis affects you as these feelings can be amplified. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Micardis.

Possible Side Effects of Micardis

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Swelling
• Headache