What are the Common Micardis® Side Effects?

Micardis® side effects can include dizziness, nausea, back pain, and upper respiratory infections. This medication is prescribed for treatment of hypertension when the high blood pressure does not respond to more conservative treatment options. Patients usually experience more intense Micardis® side effects when they first start taking the medication, but as their bodies adjust, these issues should resolve. If side effects persist or new ones develop, it can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the medication. A doctor can evaluate the patient to determine if the dosage should be adjusted or if another drug should be tried.

When patients start taking Micardis®, they usually notice back pain, lightheadedness, and vision changes. This is a result of changes to the blood pressure caused by the medication. When the patient stabilizes, these symptoms should disappear and the patient should feel normal. If the Micardis® side effects persist, the patient may be experiencing a bad reaction or the dosage may not be appropriate for the patient's needs, failing to adequately control blood pressure.

Micardis® side effects of more concern include muscle pain, nausea, easy bruising, and rash, as well as fatigue, and impotence. These can be signs of more serious reactions. Muscle pain in particular is an issue, as it may indicate that the patient has developed a rare complication called rhabdomyolysis, where the muscle tissue starts to be consumed by the body, overloading the kidneys with protein and causing a cascading series of medical problems.

Pregnant women should not take Micardis®, as the medication is linked with fetal anomalies and fetal death. Other options for managing blood pressure may be available if a woman develops hypertension in pregnancy. Patients can also potentially develop an allergy to the medication. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, hives, and rashes may indicate that a patient is allergic, and needs to switch to a different drug for safety.

Sometimes, adjusting the dosage or schedule will help with Micardis® side effects. If this does not resolve the problem or the side effects are severe, the medication should be discontinued and another hypertension drug can be tried. There are numerous products available for management of high blood pressure, and failure on one medication does not mean a patient's hypertension cannot be treated with drugs. Patients may also benefit from lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and more exercise, to control blood pressure and keep it stable. Options for management of hypertension can be discussed with a doctor.