Tablets Chemical Name:
OLMESARTAN (ole-me-SAR-tan)
Common uses
Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using WARNING: Benicar can cause injury or death to
the fetus if taken after the third month of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right
away. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Benicar. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may
be needed if you are also taking diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), potassium-sparing diuretics (eg,
spironolactone, triamterene), potassium supplements, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg,
celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure),
blood vessel problems, blood flow problems, liver or kidney problems, gallbladder problems, diabetes; stroke;
recent heart attack; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of angioedema
(eg, swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness),
including angioedema caused by treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (eg, lisinopril).
Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated or have low blood volume; have electrolyte problems (eg, high blood
potassium levels, low blood sodium levels) or are on a low-salt (sodium) diet; are on dialysis; or are scheduled to
have major surgery. Tell your doctor if you are able to become pregnant. USE OF Benicar IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you
are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking Benicar.
Directions Follow the directions for using Benicar
provided by your doctor. Benicar may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take Benicar regularly to receive
the most benefit from it. Taking Benicar at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. STORE Benicar
at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE Benicar even if you
feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Benicar, take it as soon as possible. If you are only
taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions DO NOT TAKE Benicar if you have had an allergic
reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including
blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, and heart, kidney, or liver function may be performed to monitor your
progress or to check for side effects. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR
SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Benicar. Benicar 20mg may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or
blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you
react to Benicar. Using Benicar alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to
perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Benicar MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot
weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the
morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Benicar MAY CAUSE A
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT CALLED ANGIOEDEMA. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face,
lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. DEHYDRATION, excessive sweating,
vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any
of these occur. Benicar MAY NOT WORK as well in black patients. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting
treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel normal. Tell your doctor if you develop any new
symptoms. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These
products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Before using any potassium supplements or salt substitutes,
consult your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: Benicar may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while
you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Women of child-bearing age
should discuss the risks and benefits of using Benicar with their doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED IN
BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Benicar, check with your doctor or pharmacist
to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while
taking Benicar is dizziness. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience changes in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; swelling of
your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness; muscle
cramps, pain, or weakness; flu-like symptoms (eg, headache, tiredness, muscle ache, or fever); or symptoms of low
blood pressure (eg, fainting, lightheadedness, severe dizziness). An allergic reaction to Benicar is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling,
severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have
questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side
effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much If overdose is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness
or fainting, and rapid or unusually slow pulse.
Additional information DO NOT SHARE Benicar with others
for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Benicar for other health conditions. KEEP Benicar out of the reach of
children and pets. IF USING Benicar FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
