Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Blood pressure medications may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know whether the medication affects you in this way.
Kidney disease: Olmesartan may affect the function of the kidneys, causing decreased kidney function, kidney failure, or possibly death. Certain people have experienced changes in kidney function (e.g., people with narrowed blood vessels in their kidneys, or those with severe Congestive Heart Failure). The use of diuretics (water pills), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or aliskiren may further increase risk of kidney problems for people already at risk for this problem. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: Liver disease may cause olmesartan to be cleared more slowly from the body, resulting in increased side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, a greater-than-expected drop in blood pressure occurs after taking Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil). It is more likely to occur if you are taking additional diuretics (water pills), or aliskiren, have reduced salt intake, are on dialysis, have diarrhea, or are vomiting.
Your doctor may recommend that you have your blood pressure tested more often in these situations. To reduce the risk of dizziness, people with low blood pressure or those just starting to take Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil) should stand or sit up slowly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Babies born to mothers who took olmesartan during pregnancy may develop birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil), stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if olmesartan passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil), it may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil).
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Sandoz Olmesartan (Olmesartan-medoxomil) have not been established for children less than 6 years of age.
