Telmisartan oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved telmisartan oral tablet to:

• treat high blood pressure in adults
• lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart disease in adults ages 55 years and older who are at risk of serious heart or blood vessel problems, but can’t take an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug

This article describes possible side effects of telmisartan oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for telmisartan. You can explore this overview article to learn more about telmisartan, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Telmisartan oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Micardis.

Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm

Telmisartan oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Warnings for telmisartan” section below.

More common side effects of telmisartan

Telmisartan oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of telmisartan oral tablet include:

• back pain
• cold symptoms
• diarrhea
• sinus pain and congestion
• throat pain or irritation

Mild side effects of telmisartan

Telmisartan oral tablet may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of telmisartan oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• back pain
• cold symptoms
• diarrhea
• sinus pain and congestion
• throat pain or irritation
• mild allergic reaction*†

Telmisartan oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of telmisartan in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with telmisartan oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

Serious side effects of telmisartan

Telmisartan may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from telmisartan oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with telmisartan oral tablet.

Serious side effects of telmisartan oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• anxiety
• depression
• heart rhythm problems
• high potassium levels*
• intermittent claudication (blood flow problems to the muscles)
• skin ulcer
• sleep problems
• very low blood pressure*
• worsening kidney problems
• risk of fetal harm†
• severe allergic reaction*‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of telmisartan in detail” section below.
† Telmisartan oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Warnings for telmisartan” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with telmisartan oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

Common questions about side effects of telmisartan

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of telmisartan oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can telmisartan 20 mg cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

No, it isn’t likely that telmisartan 20 milligrams (mg) will cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths. In the drug’s studies, how often side effects occurred wasn’t related to the dose taken. This means there shouldn’t be more side effects at higher doses compared to lower doses.

Tell your doctor if you have side effects that are bothersome. They may be able to suggest ways to manage the side effects or offer other treatment options.

Does telmisartan cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with telmisartan oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with telmisartan.

Coupon for telmisartan

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for telmisartan when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects telmisartan in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of telmisartan oral tablet.

High potassium levels

High potassium levels can occur in people taking telmisartan oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.

With high potassium levels, you have too much potassium in your blood. This can affect how your muscles and nerves work. Very high levels can also damage your heart or cause a heart attack. You may not have symptoms of high potassium until the level is very high. Then, symptoms may include:

• chest pain
• diarrhea
• heart palpitations (feeling of fluttering or pounding)
• muscle weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• shortness of breath

Certain factors can increase the risk of high potassium levels with telmisartan oral tablet. These include:

• having advanced kidney disease
• having heart failure
• taking other medications that increase potassium levels
• using potassium supplements or potassium-based salt substitutes

Ways to manage

Your doctor may check your potassium levels from time to time while you take telmisartan oral tablet. Ask your doctor before taking a potassium supplement or using a potassium-based salt substitute. If you experience symptoms of high potassium, seek emergency medical care or call 911.

Very low blood pressure

Very low blood pressure can occur in people taking telmisartan oral tablet. This side effect may be serious. It’s most likely to occur when you first start taking telmisartan oral tablet.

With very low blood pressure, you can have symptoms that may include:

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• fainting
• lightheadedness
• weakness

Certain factors can increase the risk of very low blood pressure with telmisartan oral tablet. These include:

• dehydration (low fluid level)
• dialysis
• diuretics (water pills)
• heart problems
• low salt diet

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, lie down until you feel better. Then, tell your doctor as soon as possible. They may recommend lab tests or getting treatment to help steady your blood pressure.

Allergic reaction

For some people, telmisartan oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to telmisartan oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for telmisartan

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking telmisartan oral tablet.

Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm

Telmisartan has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Telmisartan and pregnancy” section below.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take telmisartan oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether telmisartan oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking telmisartan oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• heart failure or other heart problems
• kidney disease
• liver problems
• pregnancy or breastfeeding
• past allergic reaction to telmisartan

Telmisartan and pregnancy

Telmisartan oral tablet should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with telmisartan.

Risk of fetal harm

Telmisartan has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking telmisartan oral tablet while you’re pregnant can cause harm or death to the fetus. For example, the drug could cause problems with fetal kidneys, lungs, or bones.

Tell your doctor immediately and stop taking telmisartan oral tablet as soon as possible if you become pregnant while taking telmisartan.

Telmisartan and breastfeeding

Telmisartan oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with telmisartan.

Telmisartan and alcohol

Telmisartan oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.

But drinking alcohol can affect your blood pressure. Drinking too much alcohol can also be a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Keep in mind, doctors prescribe telmisartan oral tablet to treat high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with telmisartan oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of telmisartan oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Am I at higher risk of side effects from telmisartan oral tablet than other people?
• How do the side effects of telmisartan oral tablet compare to other medications for my condition?
• How can I prevent or manage the common side effects of telmisartan oral tablet?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.