Telmis Tablets 20mg Tablets

Telmisartan belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It blocks a natural substance that tightens blood vessels, so the vessels relax and blood pressure falls.

It is used to:

• treat high blood pressure
• lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in people aged 55 and over who are at high risk of heart disease

It controls blood pressure but does not cure it.

Take telmisartan as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, once a day at about the same time.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Keep each tablet in its blister until you are ready to take it.
• Blood pressure may start to fall within 2 weeks; the full effect can take about 4 weeks.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects include:

• back pain
• sinus pain or a blocked nose
• diarrhoea
• dizziness or light-headedness

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet
• hoarseness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
• leg pain or cramps when you are active
• a blistering rash

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to telmisartan or any other medicine
• have heart failure, a blocked bile duct, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease
• take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes that contain potassium
• are breastfeeding

Diarrhoea, vomiting, heavy sweating or not drinking enough can make your blood pressure drop too far and cause fainting. Tell your doctor if this happens.

Keep the tablets in the original blister pack at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: telmisartan can seriously harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, stop taking it and contact your doctor straight away. Talk to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Driving: it may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.