Micardis Side Effects: What You Need to Know

If you're using Micardis (telmisartan) for high blood pressure, you might wonder about its side effects. While it helps keep your blood pressure in check, like any medicine, it can cause some unwanted reactions. Knowing what to watch for can make your treatment smoother and safer.

Micardis is part of a group of drugs called ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). It's generally well tolerated, but some people do feel side effects. The usual ones include dizziness, especially when you first start taking it or increase your dose. This happens because your blood vessels relax and your blood pressure drops, which can make you feel lightheaded. If it’s bad, try standing up slowly and stay hydrated.

Common and Less Common Side Effects

Other common side effects include fatigue, headache, and sometimes stomach upset like nausea or diarrhea. These tend to be mild and go away as your body gets used to the medicine.

There are rarer but more serious side effects to be aware of. For example, some people might develop high potassium levels, which can cause muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any muscle cramps, unusual tiredness, or chest pain, it’s important to contact your doctor quickly.

When to See Your Doctor

Pay attention if you notice swelling of your face, lips, or throat — this signals an allergic reaction and needs urgent care. Also, if you have persistent cough, which is less typical for Micardis but still possible, or signs of kidney problems like changes in urination or swelling in legs, let your healthcare provider know.

Micardis can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs and supplements you take. Blood tests may be needed from time to time to check your kidney function and potassium levels.

Remember, side effects don’t mean you should stop the medicine without advice. Often the benefits of controlling high blood pressure outweigh these risks, and many side effects fade with time or dose adjustments. Keep an open line with your healthcare team and report any concerns as soon as they come up.

Understanding Micardis side effects helps you take charge of your health with confidence. It’s all about balancing treatment benefits while keeping an eye on your body’s signals.