Atacand

What you should know before using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatrics

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of candesartan in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

This medicine has been tested in patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, blood levels of candesartan are increased in the elderly. Older people may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of candesartan. Older adults with heart failure may need to be monitored more carefully for signs of low blood pressure.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Lithium

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Dehydration (fluid and electrolyte loss due to excessive perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, prolonged diuretic therapy, dialysis, or dietary salt restriction)—Blood pressure-lowering effects of candesartan may be increased.

• Heart failure—Lowering of blood pressure by candesartan may make this condition worse. Your doctor may need to lower your dose or take other precautions.

• Kidney disease—Effects of candesartan may make this condition worse.

• Liver disease, severe or moderate—For severe liver disease, effects of candesartan are unknown. For moderate liver disease, your doctor may need to lower your starting dose of candesartan.