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Before taking olmesartan
Before taking olmesartan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you have gall-bladder, liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from renal artery stenosis (a narrowing or blockage of the artery supplying the kidney).
- If you have problems with your heart valves or heart muscle.
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take olmesartan
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take olmesartan exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily.
- Try to take olmesartan at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will have regular blood tests to check your kidney function. Your doctor will also measure your blood pressure.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can olmesartan cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Light-headedness, especially when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing one | Moving more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few moments so that you do not faint, then sit for a while before standing. This usually improves as your body gets used to olmesartan but if it continues to trouble you let your doctor know |
| Feeling sick, abdominal pain, indigestion | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Cough and flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, urine infections, tiredness | If any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store olmesartan
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Olmetec® Tablets, Daiichi Sankyo UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2008, accessed August 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Olmetec Plus®, Daiichi Sankyo UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2006, accessed August 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Sevikar®, Daiichi Sankyo UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2008, accessed August 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London