Frequently Asked Questions
About High Blood Pressure.
Select a question below.
- What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
- How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
- Is there a cure for high blood pressure?
- What is a "normal" blood pressure and what do the numbers mean?
- What causes hypertension?
- What can I do to help lower my blood pressure?
About MICARDIS®
Select a question below.
- What is MICARDIS?
- How does MICARDIS lower my blood pressure?
- Why is 24-hour control important?
- How do I take MICARDIS?
- How do I know if MICARDIS is working?
- When will I realize the full benefit of taking MICARDIS?
- Can I take MICARDIS if I am pregnant?
- What are the side effects associated with MICARDIS?
- Should I take MICARDIS with food or on an empty stomach?
- Can MICARDIS be used in patients with renal insufficiency?
About high blood pressure.
- What is high blood pressure (hypertension)? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to health problems like coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Usually, there are no symptoms, so you can have it for years without knowing. Unfortunately, serious damage to your body may take place during that time. That's why high blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer."
- How do I know if I have high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can cause serious health problems. For some patients, blood pressure is a condition that can be controlled with adequate lifestyle changes, but many patients also need prescription medicine. It is important for your doctor to get an accurate measurement of your blood pressure.
- Is there a cure for high blood pressure? When high blood pressure has no known cause, it is called primary high blood pressure. Factors such as lifestyle, heredity, age, and race may be involved. This type of high blood pressure has no cure-it is a life-long condition.
5-10% of high blood pressure cases, however, have a specific underlying cause such as another medical condition (for example, kidney abnormalities or hormonal imbalance) or certain drugs. This type of high blood pressure is called secondary high blood pressure.
Primary high blood pressure is controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. But secondary high blood pressure is also managed by treating the underlying cause. If the cause is a drug, treatment may include stopping the drug. - What is a "normal" blood pressure and what do the numbers mean? A blood pressure reading has two measurements. Systolic, the top number, is the pressure that occurs during a heartbeat; diastolic, the bottom number, is the pressure that occurs between heartbeats. A normal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic (120/80). Generally, blood pressure is too high if it stays over 140 systolic and 90 diastolic (140/90) after two or more visits to the doctor's office.
- What causes hypertension? More than 90% of the time, the cause of hypertension is not known, but risk factors for the disease include the following:
What you CANNOT control- Family: a family history of high blood pressure
- Race: affects over 40% of African Americans†
- Age: over half of Americans 60-69 years of age and around three-fourths of Americans 70 and over have high blood pressure
What you CAN control†- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating foods that are high in salt or sodium
- Inactivity
- Stress that is long-lasting
†Thom T, Haase N, Rosamond W, et al; Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2006 Update: a report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Found at http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/113/6/e85. Published Jan 2006. Accessed February 20, 2009.
†U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Diseases and Conditions Index. High Blood Pressure. Who Gets High Blood Pressure? Found at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhoIsAtRisk.html. - What can I do to help lower my blood pressure? Here are some of the ways you can help control the risks related to high blood pressure:
- Quit smoking
- Limit drinking
- Lose weight if you are above your ideal weight
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Get more exercise
About Micardis
- What is MICARDIS? MICARDIS is a once-daily medication for hypertension that works 24 hours a day to control blood pressure. This means MICARDIS is still working in the early morning, up until the next pill is taken.
- How does MICARDIS lower my blood pressure? MICARDIS lowers your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. It is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
Angiotensin II is a hormone your body makes that constricts blood vessels. And constricted blood vessels can make your blood pressure go up. Angiotensin II also causes your body to retain more salt and water—that can cause your blood pressure to go up. Plus, it can make the walls of your blood vessels and heart thicken and get stiffer. All of this can raise your blood pressure.
MICARDIS blocks the action of angiotensin II. As a result, your blood vessels relax and widen. And that helps your blood pressure to go down. - Why is 24-hour control important? Your blood pressure can go up and down during the day. Discuss with your doctor the benefits of full 24-hour blood pressure control.
- How do I take MICARDIS? If your doctor prescribes MICARDIS, it is important to take a single tablet at the same time every day, as instructed. A 30-day supply of MICARDIS comes in three convenient packs. Don't skip or miss doses or make any change in your dosing.
- How do I know if MICARDIS is working? High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so you may not be able to tell if your medication is working to lower your blood pressure. That's why it is important to take your medicine every day and see your doctor regularly to have your blood pressure checked.
- When will I realize the full benefit of taking MICARDIS? Most of the antihypertensive effect is apparent within two weeks and maximal reduction is seen after four weeks. When additional blood pressure reduction beyond 80mg MICARDIS is required, a diuretic may be added.
- Can I take MICARDIS if I am pregnant? No. You must not take MICARDIS if you are pregnant. When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury, and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, MICARDIS tablets should be discontinued and you should call your doctor as soon as possible.
- What are the side effects associated with MICARDIS? Side effects are generally mild and may include:
- upper respiratory tract infections, including sinus pain/infection and sore throat
- back pain
- diarrhea
Rare but serious side effects may occur, including:- swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- difficulty breathing
- rare cases of severe infection of the blood and body tissues
What Important Safety Information Should I Know About MICARDIS?
MICARDIS may cause:
- Injury or death to an unborn baby. Do not take MICARDIS if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Low blood pressure, which is most likely to happen if you also take diuretics (water pills), are on a diet low in salt and sodium, get dialysis treatments, have heart problems or get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down, and call your doctor right away.
- Kidney problems, which may get worse in people that already have kidney disease. Some people will have changes in kidney function test results and may need a lower dose of MICARDIS. Call your doctor if you get swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, or unexplained weight gain.
- Should I take MICARDIS with food or on an empty stomach? MICARDIS may be administered with or without food.
- Can MICARDIS be used in patients with renal insufficiency? Kidney problems may get worse in people that already have kidney disease. Some people will have changes in kidney function test results and may need a lower dose of MICARDIS. Call your doctor if you get swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, or unexplained weight gain.
MICARDIS is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), and in certain high-risk people aged 55 years and older, to help lower their risk of having certain cardiovascular problems such as stroke, heart attack, and death. Talk to your doctor to see whether MICARDIS is appropriate for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
MICARDIS® (telmisartan) tablets are not for pregnant women. Taking MICARDIS during pregnancy can cause injury and even death to your unborn baby. If you get pregnant, stop taking MICARDIS and call your doctor right away. If you plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your blood pressure. The most serious side effects with MICARDIS are low blood pressure and kidney problems. Other rare but serious side effects may occur. Before taking MICARDIS, tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, and about all other medications you are taking.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for MICARDIS.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call
Patient Information
MICARDIS® (my-CAR-dis)
(telmisartan)
Tablets
Read this Patient Information before you start taking MICARDIS tablets and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about MICARDIS tablets?
MICARDIS is not for pregnant women. Taking MICARDIS tablets during your pregnancy can cause injury and even death to your unborn baby. If you get pregnant, stop taking MICARDIS tablets and call your doctor right away. If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your blood pressure.
What is MICARDIS?
MICARDIS is a prescription medicine used:
- to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
- in certain high risk people aged 55 years and older to help lower their risk of having certain cardiovascular problems such as stroke, heart attack, or death
It is not known if MICARDIS is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take MICARDIS?
You should not take MICARDIS tablets if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active ingredient (telmisartan) or any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
What should I tell my doctor before taking MICARDIS tablets?
Before you take MICARDIS tablets, tell your doctor if you:
- have liver problems
- have kidney problems
- have heart problems
- have any other medical conditions
- are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. See "What is the most important information I should know about MICARDIS tablets?"
- are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if MICARDIS passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take MICARDIS tablets or breast-feed. You should not do both. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take MICARDIS tablets.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
MICARDIS may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how MICARDIS works. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- digoxin (Lanoxin®, Lanoxicaps®)
- lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®)
- ramipril (Altace®) or other medicines used to treat your high blood pressure or heart problem
- water pills (diuretic)
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take MICARDIS tablets?
- Take MICARDIS tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Your doctor will tell you how much MICARDIS to take and when to take it.
- Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
- Take MICARDIS one time each day at the same time.
- Take MICARDIS tablets with or without food.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time.
- If you take too much MICARDIS, call your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
- Read the "How to Open the Blister" at the end of this leaflet before you use MICARDIS. Talk with your doctor if you do not understand the instructions.
What important safety information should I know about MICARDIS tablets?
- You may experience sleepiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when taking medicines such as MICARDIS tablets. Use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car or operating appliances or machinery.
What are the possible side effects of MICARDIS tablets?
MICARDIS tablets may cause serious side effects, including
- Injury or death to your unborn baby. See "What is the most important information I should know about MICARDIS tablets?"
- Low blood pressure (hypotension) is most likely to happen if you also:
- take water pills (diuretics)
- are on a low-salt diet
- get dialysis treatments
- have heart problems
- get sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Kidney problems, which may get worse if you already have kidney disease. You may have changes in your kidney test results, and you may need a lower dose of MICARDIS tablets. Call
your doctor if you get:
- swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
- unexplained weight gain
- High potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). Your doctor may check your potassium levels as needed.
Rare, serious allergic reactions may happen. Tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms:
- swelling of the face, tongue, throat
- difficulty breathing
- blistering of the skin or rash
The most common side effects of MICARDIS tablets include:
- sinus pain and congestion (sinusitis)
- back pain
- diarrhea
These are not all the possible side effects with MICARDIS tablets. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store MICARDIS tablets?
- Store MICARDIS tablets between 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC).
- Do not remove MICARDIS tablets from blisters until right before you take them.
Keep MICARDIS tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about MICARDIS tablets
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use MICARDIS tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give MICARDIS tablets to other people, even if they have the same condition you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about MICARDIS tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about MICARDIS tablets that is written for health professionals.
For more information, call Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257, or (TTY) 1-800-459-9906.
What are the ingredients in MICARDIS tablets?
Active Ingredient: telmisartan
Inactive Ingredients: sodium hydroxide, meglumine, povidone, sorbitol, and magnesium stearate
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
Blood pressure is the force in your blood vessels when your heart beats and when your heart rests. You have high blood pressure when the force is too much. MICARDIS tablets can help your blood vessels relax so your blood pressure is lower. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body and causes damage to the blood vessels. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and vision problems.
What is Cardiovascular Risk?
Patients older than 55 years of age who have been diagnosed with blood vessel disease in the heart, legs, or brain (coronary, peripheral, or cerebral vascular disease) or diabetes with end organ damage (for example: kidney, heart, and brain) are at higher risk of cardiovascular events (for example: death from cardiovascular causes, stroke, and/or heart attack).
How to open the blister:
1. Tear (You may also use scissors to tear the blister apart)
2. Peel (Peel off the paper layer from the aluminum foil)
3. Push (Push the tablet through the foil)
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Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA
Licensed from: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
Copyright 2011 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Revised: January 2011
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