Benicar Hct Coupons & Discount Card - Compare Prices Near You

This medication, Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide), requires careful consideration due to its associated risks and necessary precautions. Below are key safety and warning details that should be reviewed before use:

• Pregnancy Risks: Benicar HCT is not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause significant harm or even be fatal to an unborn child. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect you might be pregnant, consult your healthcare provider immediately to explore alternative treatments for blood pressure management.

• Low Blood Pressure: This medication may cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness, particularly at the start of treatment or after a dosage increase. Staying hydrated is crucial. If you experience these symptoms, sit down slowly, seek medical advice, and if necessary, obtain immediate medical attention, especially in the event of a fall.

• Kidney Health: Benicar HCT can negatively affect kidney function, especially in individuals with existing kidney issues or severe heart failure. Regular lab tests may be necessary to monitor kidney health. Report any decrease in urination frequency to your healthcare provider, as it could indicate kidney problems.

• Electrolyte, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol Changes: This drug can alter levels of electrolytes, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Regular blood tests should be performed to monitor these levels. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking and report symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, fatigue, muscle pain, reduced urination, nausea, or vomiting, as these may indicate electrolyte imbalances.

• Vision Issues: Although rare, some individuals may experience changes in vision shortly after starting Benicar HCT. If you notice any vision changes or eye pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately and discontinue the medication. Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases to prevent permanent vision loss.

• Lupus: On rare occasions, Benicar HCT may trigger or worsen lupus. Report any persistent fatigue or rashes across your cheeks and nose to your healthcare provider.

Special instructions and contraindications include:

• Existing Conditions: Do not use Benicar HCT if you are unable to produce urine or have a sulfa allergy.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid concurrent use with aliskiren (Tekturna) if you have diabetes due to potential health risks.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personal advice and before making any changes to your medication regimen.

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness as their body adjusts. To help minimize these effects, try rising slowly from sitting or lying down. Generally, many users find the benefits of this medication outweigh the risk of side effects, which are often mild and include dizziness, upper respiratory infections, high uric acid levels, and nausea.

In some cases, users may report other bothersome yet non-urgent effects, such as back pain, swelling in the arms and legs, stomach pain, diarrhea, joint pain, cough, and rash. While these are typically manageable, consult your healthcare provider if they persist or become bothersome.

However, it is important to be vigilant for rare but serious side effects, which demand immediate medical attention. These include dangerously low blood pressure, which may present as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, and serious kidney issues, which might manifest as decreased urination or swelling. High blood potassium levels can cause nausea, muscle weakness, and abnormal heartbeats, and severe allergic reactions could involve swelling of the face, lips, or throat, along with trouble breathing. If you experience severe diarrhea or any signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, such as extreme thirst, muscle cramps, or confusion, seek urgent medical help.

Always remain informed about potential side effects and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns.

When taking Benicar HCT (Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide), be aware of potential interactions with other medications. Some drugs that should not be taken with Benicar HCT include Aliskiren and Dofetilide, as combining these can lead to adverse effects. Additionally, medicines like Lithium, sparsentan, and ACE inhibitors such as Benazepril and Lisinopril may raise potassium levels in your blood, which can be dangerous.

There are also other medications that should generally be avoided unless specifically advised by your doctor. These include various anti-inflammatory drugs and heart medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Digoxin. Using Benicar HCT with these medications could increase the risk of side effects, so your doctor may need to adjust dosages if they are prescribed together.

Furthermore, some products may contain ingredients that could elevate your blood pressure or worsen heart failure. It is crucial to inform your pharmacist of all the products you use, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to ensure safe use. Also, Benicar HCT might interfere with certain laboratory tests, potentially leading to inaccurate results. Therefore, always make sure that all your healthcare providers are aware of your current medications.