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

This is telmisartan. It treats high blood pressure. Over time, this can help protect your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. It can have other uses, too.

You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is often take once daily, at the same time each day. You can take it with food or without food. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Side effects include back pain, sinus problems, and diarrhea. 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 it, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

You should call your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. In fact, it is a good idea to stand up slowly, until you know how it affects you.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. With telmisartan, these include an allergic reaction, kidney problems or high potassium in the blood. You should read the 'Patient Package Insert' for more information. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. 

You may reduce certain side effects by staying hydrated. You should ask your doctor how much fluid to drink each day. Also, you should avoid sweating too much, and tell your doctor if you have diarrhea or vomiting.

You should ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. This includes medicines that treat pain or fever, or that contain potassium.  Also, ask before using salt substitutes. 

This medicine can be unsafe for babies. Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results with telmisartan, follow your doctor's advice about diet, fluids and checking your own blood pressure.