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The following information highlights crucial safety details and warnings associated with the use of telmisartan (Micardis). It is important to carefully consider these points and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

• Risk to Unborn Child: Use of telmisartan during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can increase the likelihood of birth defects, including potential kidney issues, which may sometimes be life-threatening to the unborn child. If you discover you are pregnant while taking this medication, discontinue use immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Discuss alternative treatment options with your care team if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• Low Blood Pressure: Telmisartan may lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness. This risk is heightened during the first two weeks of treatment or after a dosage increase. To mitigate these effects, stay hydrated and avoid sudden movements from a sitting or lying position. If you regularly experience symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or confusion, consult your healthcare provider. Risks are higher with dehydration, low salt levels, dialysis, or concurrent use of diuretics.

• Kidney Issues: While telmisartan can enhance kidney blood flow, it might exacerbate kidney problems in certain individuals, especially those with kidney artery blockages or severe heart failure. Your healthcare provider may conduct lab tests to monitor kidney function during treatment. Report symptoms such as decreased urination, fatigue, nausea, or chills to your provider, as these may indicate kidney damage.

• Elevated Potassium Levels: In rare instances, telmisartan can increase potassium levels in the body, posing health risks. The likelihood is greater for individuals with diabetes, kidney issues, or those taking medications that also elevate potassium. Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history and any medications you are taking before starting telmisartan. Report symptoms like nausea, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat to your provider immediately.

• Liver Concerns: Individuals with a history of liver problems, such as a blocked bile duct, may experience higher levels of telmisartan in their system, increasing the risk of side effects like low blood pressure and kidney issues. Notify your healthcare team of any liver conditions, as a lower starting dose may be necessary.

Contraindications: This medication should not be taken in conjunction with aliskiren (Tekturna) if you have diabetes, due to potential serious health risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting telmisartan under these circumstances.

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience certain side effects. Commonly, mild side effects include upper respiratory tract infections such as a cough or sore throat, affecting about 7% of users. Similarly, some might feel pain in their legs while walking, also reported by up to 7% of users. Other mild effects include skin ulcers, back pain, sinus infections causing a stuffy nose, and diarrhea, each occurring in about 3% of cases.

There are additional side effects that have been observed in some users. These include sore throat, flu-like symptoms, indigestion, muscle pain, urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, general pain, fatigue, cough, chest pain, nausea, and swelling in the arms and legs. While these are less common, they should be monitored, especially if they persist.

Rare but serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include severe kidney problems, which may manifest as reduced urination, swelling in the extremities, and unexpected weight gain. High potassium levels in the blood can cause symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, chest pain, muscle weakness, or an irregular heartbeat. Severely low blood pressure may lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or confusion. If any of these severe symptoms occur, seek urgent medical care.