Warnings & Recalls for Micardis
In
January of 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved
labeling changes for Micardis. Revisions include contraindication for patients with
hypersensitivity to telmisartan including patients with anaphylaxis or angioedema. Adjustments were also made to the
adverse reactions such as:
- severe muscle weakness
- increased or abnormally decreased blood pressure
- stomach aches
- liver disorder
- increase in uric acid
- kidney failure
- inceased creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
- pain in tendons
- drug eruption (toxicity in skin involving a rash)
Micardis has not been approved for use in children.
For
safety purposes,
let your doctor know if you have any of the following before taking Micardis:
- any allergies, especially to Micadis or telmisartan
- diabetes
- if you are taking any other drugs, supplements, vitamins or herbal products
- a history of heart failure or disease, clogging of the bile passageway, and kidney or liver disease or failure
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Micardis Drug Interactions
Diuretics,
digoxin (Lonaxin) and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including medications containing ibuprofen, naproxen, clecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin and meloxicam. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially those listed in this section.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking
Micardis, this combination can lead to
low blood pressure causing serious drowsiness or dizziness.
Micardis and Pregnancy
Micardis is listed as an
FDA pregnancy category C during the first 3 months of pregnancy and a
pregnancy category D in the final 3 months.
Do not take Micardis if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Micardis can cause
harm to the fetus if taken in the final two trimesters of pregnancy. Micardis may cause the following complications in the fetus:
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- underdevelopment of the nervous or cardiovascular systems
- developmental issues with the lungs
- failure of the kidney
- deformations
- death
It is
not known if Micardis may be transferred to a nursing baby through breast-milk. Boehringer Ingelheim suggests that patients
should not breastfeed while taking Micardis. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant,
consult your doctor to find out if Micardis is safe to use.
Micardis Treatment and Use
Micardis | Telmisartin is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim for treating high blood pressure. Micardis can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications for treatment. Micardis may also be used for the following:
- treating congestive heart failure
- diabetic nephropathy
- reducing high blood pressure
- reducing stress on the hear
Micardis can reduce the possibility of a heart attack, stroke, or death in patients over the age of 55 who are at risk for heart disease.
Micardis is not a cure for high blood pressure.
How Does Micardis Work?
Micardis works by preventing angiotensin II from causing blood vessels to contract. By relaxing blood vessels, blood is able to circulate more steadily. This can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the heart.
Micardis Dosage Information
Micardis comes in tablet form to be taken orally once each day. Micardis should be taken:
- by opening the blister pack by peeling the foil back from one tablet; use dry hands only and be sure not to crush or break the tablet
- with a full glass of water, swallowed whole
- only as prescribed by your doctor; do not end treatment early, even if you feel healthier
Your doctor may prescribe a small dose to begin with and may gradually increase the amount as your body adjusts. It may take up to four weeks to reach full benefit from treatment with Micardis.
