AMLODIPINE,TELMISARTAN
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved telmisartan + amlodipine on 10/16/2009 for the treatment of hypertension.
Uses
Telmisartan + amlodipine help control high blood pressure. It helps relax the blood vessels by making it easier for the heart to pump blood all over the body, and it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How is it administered?
Telmisartan + amlodipine is an available 30âs and 15âs tablet which can be consumed orally. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with telmisartan + amlodipine are headaches, back pain, difficulty in breathing, stomach pain and back pain, nausea, muscle pain, fever. If you have swelling of ankles and feet, dizziness, change in vision speak with your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Do not consume this medicine if you are hypersensitive to Telmisartan, Amlodipine, or dihydropyridine derivatives. It should not be used in women beyond the third trimester of pregnancy, patients with severe liver or bile problems. Notify your doctor if you have shock, left-sided heart blood flow obstruction, or heart failure after a heart attack.
Precautions
It should also not be combined with aliskiren-containing medications in patients with type 2 diabetes or moderate to severe kidney impairment. Dose adjustment will be needed in such conditions. While using this medication, blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and a kidney function test should be performed to note if there are any abnormal changes.
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to the combination of Telmisartan and Amlodipine to prevent serious adverse outcomes. Do not use this medicine if you have a history of heart disease, including angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver, kidney, or uterine problems. During use of this medication, blood pressure requires regular monitoring, and kidney function tests should be performed to identify any abnormal changes.
References
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on October 2011] [Accessed date 9th June 2023] Twynsta (telmisartan/amlodipine) tablet label (fda.gov) European medicines agency, [Revised on 10th January 2022] [Accessed date 9th June 2023] Twynsta | European Medicines Agency (europa.eu)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop taking Telmisartan + Amlodipine if my blood pressure becomes normal?
Patients cannot stop taking medicine without the proper advice of the doctor because they lower the blood pressure and maintain it without increasing it. If you stop this medication on your own, it can develop the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Can Telmisartan + Amlodipine cause addiction?
Telmisartan + Amlodipine does not cause addiction. It helps improve the heart's pumping activity to all parts of our body by relaxing the blood vessels and lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Does Telmisarta + Amlodipine cause depression?
No, Telmisartan + Amlodipine does not cause depression. If you experience depression while taking this medication, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
What should I avoid while taking Telmisartan + Amlodipine?
It is highly unsafe during pregnancy and causes developing defects in the baby, so avoid planning a pregnancy or inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medication.
What is the effect of Telmisartan + Amlodipine on the heart?
If a patient has a history of heart attack, stroke, or myocardial infarction, kindly inform your doctor before taking this medication, as it causes palpitation and irregular heartbeats.