Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Benicar. Benicar is used to treat high blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure over time may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

It is usually well-tolerated, but some side effects could occur. At first, or if your doctor increases your dose, it could make you dizzy. To reduce this, stand up slowly after you've been sitting or lying down. Benicar can also cause back pain, diarrhea, sore throat or sinus problems. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medication please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with all medicines, rare but more serious side effects could happen. One rare effect after using it for a long time is severe diarrhea that causes weight loss. Let your doctor know if you notice this or any other unusual changes to your body. 

To reduce drug interactions, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines, even if they don't require a prescription. Also, you should avoid using salt-substitutes that contains potassium. 

Women taking this medicine should not become pregnant, because it may be unsafe for the baby. Talk to your doctor right away if you do, and before breastfeeding. 

For best results, continue taking Benicar, and follow your doctor's advice about diet, exercise and checking your own blood pressure.