Twynsta

Twynsta

Generic Name: amlodipine and telmisartan (am LOE de peen and TEL me SAR tan)

Brand Names: Twynsta

What is Twynsta?

Twynsta contains a combination of amlodipine and telmisartan. Amlodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.

Telmisartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Twynsta is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Twynsta is sometimes used together with other blood pressure medications.

Twynsta may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Twynsta

Do not use Twynsta if you are pregnant. Telmisartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take this medicine during your second or third trimester. If you become pregnant during treatment, stop using Twynsta and tell your doctor right away.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Twynsta, unless your doctor has told you to. Call your doctor at once if you have swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats, urinating less than usual or not at all, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, or if you feel like you might pass out. In rare cases, Twynsta can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Before taking Twynsta

You should not use Twynsta if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or telmisartan (Micardis).

To make sure you can safely take Twynsta, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

liver disease;

congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;

an electrolyte imbalance;

low blood pressure;

if you are vomiting or having diarrhea; or

if you have recently had a heart attack.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Twynsta if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Telmisartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking Twynsta. It is not known whether amlodipine or telmisartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Twynsta without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Twynsta?

Take Twynsta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Twynsta.

Take Twynsta with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

You may take this medication with or without food.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking Twynsta. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your heart, liver, and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using Twynsta even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store Twynsta at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heart rate, warmth or tingling, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Twynsta?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Twynsta, unless your doctor has told you to.

Twynsta side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Twynsta: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, Twynsta can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine. Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects from using Twynsta, such as:

feeling like you might pass out;

swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling;

fast or pounding heartbeats;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Less serious Twynsta side effects include:

dizziness, headache, mood changes;

back pain;

change in bowel habits;

stuffy nose, sore throat; or

diarrhea.

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 Twynsta?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

digoxin (Lanoxin);

lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid);

ramipril (Altace);

diuretics (water pills); or

other medications that lower blood pressure.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Twynsta. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Twynsta.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.