amlodipine and olmesartan

What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and olmesartan?

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

What is amlodipine and olmesartan?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB).

Amlodipine and olmesartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Amlodipine and olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and olmesartan?

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking amlodipine and olmesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• coronary artery disease;
• angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure;
• high levels of potassium in your blood;
• if you are on a low-salt diet;
• if you are 75 years or older; or
• if you recently had a heart attack.

How should I take amlodipine and olmesartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take this medication with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amlodipine and olmesartan.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and olmesartan?

What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and olmesartan?

• new or worsening chest pain;
• swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea with weight loss;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects include swelling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect amlodipine and olmesartan?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

If you also take colesevelam, take it 4 hours after you take amlodipine and olmesartan.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• cyclosporine;
• lithium;
• simvastatin;
• tacrolimus; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect amlodipine and olmesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine and olmesartan.