Olmesartan Medoxomil (ol-me-SAR-tan me-DOX-oh-mil)

Used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Brand Name(s):

Benicar

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• If your child cannot swallow the tablets, your doctor may give him/her an oral liquid that is to be prepared by a pharmacist. Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the suspension in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Throw away any unused medicine after 4 weeks.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, or Moduretic®) or pain or arthritis medicine, sometimes called "NSAIDs" (such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Motrin®, or Vioxx®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant (especially in your second or third trimester) can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, congestive heart failure, dehydration, or low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia).
• This medicine may make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Getting up slowly may help. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine, or when the dose is increased.
• Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt which may cause low blood pressure.
• Check with your doctor right away if you experience dizziness, fainting, confusion, muscle pain, weakness, and/or a fast heartbeat. Use extra care if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause dehydration (loss of too much water) or electrolyte imbalances (loss of potassium, magnesium, or sodium in the body).
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in the urine, lower back pain, side pain, or sharp back pain just below the ribs.
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect).
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain.
• Cough, stuffy or runny nose, or sore throat.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper stomach.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088