4.1. Therapeutic indications

Treatment of essential hypertension.

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide fixed dose combination (40 mg telmisartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on telmisartan alone.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by telmisartan alone. Individual dose titration with each of the two components is recommended before changing to the fixed dose combination. When clinically appropriate, direct change from monotherapy to the fixed combination may be considered.

• Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 40 mg/12.5 mg may be administered once daily in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by Micardis 40 mg

• Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 80 mg/12.5 mg may be administered once daily in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by Micardis 80 mg

Special populations:

Renal impairment

Periodic monitoring of renal function is advised (see section 4.4).

Hepatic impairment

In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment the posology should not exceed Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 40 mg/12.5 mg once daily. Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is not indicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function (see section 4.4).

Elderly

No dosage adjustment is necessary.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in children and adolescents aged below 18 have not been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide tablets are for once-daily oral administration and should be taken with liquid, with or without food.

Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should be kept in the sealed blister due to the hygroscopic property of the tablets. Tablets should be taken out of the blister shortly before administration (see section 6.6).

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• Hypersensitivity to other sulphonamide-derived substances (since hydrochlorothiazide is a sulphonamide-derived medicinal product).

• Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).

• Cholestasis and biliary obstructive disorders.

• Severe hepatic impairment.

• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), anuria.

• Refractory hypokalaemia, hypercalcaemia.

• The concomitant use of telmisartan with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Pregnancy

Angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Hepatic impairment

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should not be given to patients with cholestasis, biliary obstructive disorders or severe hepatic insufficiency (see section 4.3) since telmisartan is mostly eliminated with the bile. These patients can be expected to have reduced hepatic clearance for telmisartan.

In addition, Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma. There is no clinical experience with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with hepatic impairment.

Renovascular hypertension

There is an increased risk of severe hypotension and renal insufficiency when patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a single functioning kidney are treated with medicinal products that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Renal impairment and kidney transplantation

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) (see section 4.3). There is no experience regarding the administration of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with recent kidney transplantation. Experience with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is modest in the patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, therefore periodic monitoring of potassium, creatinine and uric acid serum levels is recommended. Thiazide diuretic associated azotaemia may occur in patients with impaired renal function.

Volume and/or sodium depleted patients

Symptomatic hypotension, especially after the first dose, may occur in patients who are volume and/or sodium depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting. Such conditions, especially volume and/or sodium depletion,should be corrected before the administration of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide.

Isolated cases of hyponatraemia accompanied by neurological symptoms (nausea, progressive disorientation, apathy) have been observed with the use of hydrochlorothiazide.

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)

There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

If dual blockade therapy is considered absolutely necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure.

ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Other conditions with stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

In patients whose vascular tone and renal function depend predominantly on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g. patients with severe congestive heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis), treatment with medicinal products that affect this system has been associated with acute hypotension, hyperazotaemia, oliguria, or rarely acute renal failure (see section 4.8).

Primary aldosteronism

Patients with primary aldosteronism generally will not respond to antihypertensive medicinal products acting through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. Therefore, the use of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended.

Aortic and mitral valve stenosis, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

As with other vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from aortic or mitral stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Metabolic and endocrine effects

Thiazide therapy may impair glucose tolerance, whereas hypoglycaemia may occur in diabetic patients under insulin or antidiabetic therapy and telmisartan treatment. Therefore, in these patients blood glucose monitoring should be considered; a dose adjustment of insulin or antidiabetics may be required, when indicated. Latent diabetes mellitus may become manifest during thiazide therapy.

An increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels has been associated with thiazide diuretic therapy; however, at the 12.5 mg dose contained in Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide, minimal or no effects were reported. Hyperuricaemia may occur or frank gout may be precipitated in some patients receiving thiazide therapy.

Electrolyte imbalance

As for any patient receiving diuretic therapy, periodic determination of serum electrolytes should be performed at appropriate intervals. Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, can cause fluid or electrolyte imbalance (including hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia and hypochloraemic alkalosis). Warning signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance are dryness of mouth, thirst, asthenia, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pain or cramps, muscular fatigue, hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or vomiting (see section 4.8).

- Hypokalaemia

Although hypokalaemia may develop with the use of thiazide diuretics, concurrent therapy with telmisartan may reduce diuretic-induced hypokalaemia. The risk of hypokalaemia is greater in patients with cirrhosis of liver, in patients experiencing brisk diuresis, in patients who are receiving inadequate oral intake of electrolytes and in patients receiving concomitant therapy with corticosteroids or Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (see section 4.5).

- Hyperkalaemia

Conversely, due to the antagonism of the angiotensin II (AT1) receptors by the telmisartan component of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide, hyperkalaemia might occur. Although clinically significant hyperkalaemia has not been documented with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide, risk factors for the development of hyperkalaemia include renal insufficiency and/or heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes should be co-administered cautiously with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (see section 4.5).

- Hyponatraemia and hypochloraemic alkalosis

There is no evidence that Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide would reduce or prevent diuretic-induced hyponatraemia. Chloride deficit is generally mild and usually does not require treatment.

- Hypercalcaemia

Thiazides may decrease urinary calcium excretion and cause an intermittent and slight elevation of serum calcium in the absence of known disorders of calcium metabolism. Marked hypercalcaemia may be evidence of hidden hyperparathyroidism. Thiazides should be discontinued before carrying out tests for parathyroid function.

- Hypomagnesaemia

Thiazides have been shown to increase the urinary excretion of magnesium, which may result in hypomagnesaemia (see section 4.5).

Lactose Monohydrate

This medicinal product contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance and/or with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Ethnic differences

As with all other angiotensin II receptor blockers, telmisartan is apparently less effective in lowering blood pressure in black patients than in non blacks, possibly because of higher prevalence of low renin states in the black hypertensive population.

Ischaemic heart disease

As with any antihypertensive agent, excessive reduction of blood pressure in patients with ischaemic cardiopathy or ischaemic cardiovascular disease could result in a myocardial infarction or stroke.

General

Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, but are more likely in patients with such a history.

Exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported with the use of thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide.

Cases of photosensitivity reactions have been reported with thiazide diuretics (see section 4.8). If a photosensitivity reaction occurs during treatment, it is recommended to stop the treatment. If a re-administration of the diuretic is deemed necessary, it is recommended to protect exposed areas to the sun or to artificial UVA.

Choroidal effusion, Acute Myopia and Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Hydrochlorothiazide, a sulfonamide, can cause an idiosyncratic reaction, resulting in choroidal effusion with visual field defect, acute transient myopia and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity or ocular pain and typically occur within hours to weeks of drug initiation. Untreated acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. The primary treatment is to discontinue hydrochlorothiazide as rapidly as possible. Prompt medical or surgical treatments may need to be considered if the intraocular pressure remains uncontrolled. Risk factors for developing acute angle- closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy.

Non-melanoma skin cancer

An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) [basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] with increasing cumulative dose of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) exposure has been observed in two epidemiological studies based on the Danish National Cancer Registry. Photosensitizing actions of HCTZ could act as a possible mechanism for NMSC.

Patients taking HCTZ should be informed of the risk of NMSC and advised to regularly check their skin for any new lesions and promptly report any suspicious skin lesions. Possible preventive measures such as limited exposure to sunlight and UV rays and, in case of exposure, adequate protection should be advised to the patients in order to minimize the risk of skin cancer. Suspicious skin lesions should be promptly examined potentially including histological examinations of biopsies. The use of HCTZ may also need to be reconsidered in patients who have experienced previous NMSC (see also section 4.8).

Acute Respiratory Toxicity

Very rare severe cases of acute respiratory toxicity, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been reported after taking hydrochlorothiazide. Pulmonary oedema typically develops within minutes to hours after hydrochlorothiazide intake. At the onset, symptoms include dyspnoea, fever, pulmonary deterioration and hypotension. If diagnosis of ARDS is suspected, Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide should be withdrawn and appropriate treatment given. Hydrochlorothiazide should not be administered to patients who previously experienced ARDS following hydrochlorothiazide intake.

Intestinal angioedema

Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers (see section 4.8). These patients presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of angiotensin II receptor blockers . If intestinal angioedema is diagnosed, Telmisartan should be discontinued and appropriate monitoring should be initiated until complete resolution of symptoms has occurred.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Lithium

Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Rare cases have also been reported with angiotensin II receptor blockers (including Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide). Co-administration of lithium and Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended (see section 4.4). If this combination proves essential, careful monitoring of serum lithium level is recommended during concomitant use.

Medicinal products associated with potassium loss and hypokalaemia (e.g. other kaliuretic diuretics, laxatives, corticosteroids, ACTH, amphotericin, carbenoxolone, penicillin G sodium, salicylic acid and derivatives)

If these substances are to be prescribed with the hydrochlorothiazide-telmisartan combination, monitoring of potassium plasma levels is advised. These medicinal products may potentiate the effect of hydrochlorothiazide on serum potassium (see section 4.4).

Iodinated contrast products

In the event of dehydration caused by diuretics, there is an increased risk of acute functional renal failure, particularly during use of high doses of iodinated contrast products. Rehydration before administration of the iodinated product is required.

Medicinal products that may increase potassium levels or induce hyperkalaemia (e.g. ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, cyclosporine or other medicinal products such as heparin sodium)

If these medicinal products are to be prescribed with the hydrochlorothiazide-telmisartan combination, monitoring of potassium plasma levels is advised. Based on the experience with the use of other medicinal products that blunt the reninangiotensin system, concomitant use of the above medicinal products may lead to increases in serum potassium and is, therefore, not recommended (see section 4.4).

Medicinal products affected by serum potassium disturbances

Periodic monitoring of serum potassium and ECG is recommended when Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is administered with medicinal products affected by serum potassium disturbances (e.g. digitalis glycosides, antiarrhythmics) and the following torsades de pointes inducing medicinal products (which include some antiarrhythmics), hypokalaemia being a predisposing factor to torsades de pointes.

- class Ia antiarrythmics (e.g. quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide)

- class III antiarrythmics (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide)

- some antipsychotics (e.g. thioridazine, chlorpromazine, levomepromazine, trifluoperazine, cyamemazine, sulpiride, sultopride, amisulpride, tiapride, pimozide, haloperidol, droperidol)

- others (e.g. bepridil, cisapride, diphemanil, erythromycin IV, halofantrin, mizolastin, pentamidine, sparfloxacine, terfenadine, vincamine IV.)

Digitalis glycosides

Thiazide-induced hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia favours the onset of digitalis-induced arrhythmia (see section 4.4).

Digoxin

When telmisartan was co-administered with digoxin, median increases in digoxin peak plasma concentration (49%) and in trough concentration (20%) were observed. When initiating, adjusting, and discontinuing telmisartan, monitor digoxin levels in order to maintain levels within the therapeutic range.

Other antihypertensive agents

Telmisartan may increase the hypotensive effect of other antihypertensive agents.

Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1).

Antidiabetic medicinal products (oral agents and insulin)

Dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic medicinal products may be required (see section 4.4).

Metformin

Metformin should be used with precaution: risk of lactic acidosis induced by a possible functional renal failure linked to hydrochlorothiazide.

Cholestyramine and colestipol resins

Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired in the presence of anionic exchange resins.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products

NSAIDs (i.e. acetylsalicylic acid at anti-inflammatory dosage regimens, COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAIDs) may reduce the diuretic, natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of thiazide diuretics and the antihypertensive effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers.

In some patients with compromised renal function (e.g. dehydrated patients or elderly patients with compromised renal function) the co-administration of angiotensin II receptor blockers and agents that inhibit cyclo-oxygenase may result in further deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, which is usually reversible. Therefore the combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring of renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter.

In one study the co-administration of telmisartan and ramipril led to an increase of up to 2.5 fold in the AUC0-24 and Cmax of ramipril and ramiprilat. The clinical relevance of this observation is not known.

Pressor amines (e.g. noradrenaline)

The effect of pressor amines may be decreased.

Nondepolarizing skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine)

The effect of nondepolarizing skeletal muscle relaxants may be potentiated by hydrochlorothiazide.

Medicinal products used in the treatment for gout (e.g. probenecid, sulfinpyrazone and allopurinol)

Dosage adjustment of uricosuric medications may be necessary as hydrochlorothiazide may raise the level of serum uric acid. Increase in dosage of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone may be necessary. Co-administration of thiazide may increase the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions of allopurinol.

Calcium salts:

Thiazide diuretics may increase serum calcium levels due to the decreased excretion. If calcium supplements or calcium sparing medicinal products (e.g. vitamin D therapy) must be prescribed, serum calcium levels should be monitored and calcium dosage adjusted accordingly.

Beta-blockers and diazoxide

The hyperglycaemic effect of beta-blockers and diazoxide may be enhanced by thiazides.

Anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine, biperiden) may increase the bioavailability of thiazide-type

diuretics by decreasing gastrointestinal motility and stomach emptying rate.

Amantadine

Thiazides may increase the risk of adverse effects caused by amantadine.

Cytotoxic agents (e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate)

Thiazides may reduce the renal excretion of cytotoxic medicinal products and potentiate their myelosuppressive effects.

Based on their pharmacological properties it can be expected that the following medicinal products may potentiate the hypotensive effects of all antihypertensives including telmisartan: Baclofen, amifostine.

Furthermore, orthostatic hypotension may be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics or antidepressants.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

The use of angiotensin II receptor blockers is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4). The use of angiotensin II receptor blockers is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

There are no adequate data from the use of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Whilst there is no controlled epidemiological data on the risk with angiotensin II receptor blockers, similar risks may exist for this class of drugs. Unless continued angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

Exposure to angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See section 5.3). Should exposure to angiotensin II receptor blockers have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended. Infants whose mothers have taken angiotensin II receptor blockersshould be closely observed for hypotension (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

There is limited experience with hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Animal studies are insufficient. Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide its use during the second and third trimester may compromise foeto-placental perfusion and may cause foetal and neonatal effects like icterus, disturbance of electrolyte balance and thrombocytopenia. Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for gestational oedema, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia due to the risk of decreased plasma volume and placental hypoperfusion, without a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for essential hypertension in pregnant women except in rare situations where no other treatment could be used.

Breast-feeding

Because no information is available regarding the use of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide during breast-feeding, Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human milk in small amounts. Thiazides in high doses causing intense diuresis can inhibit the milk production. The use of Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide during breast feeding is not recommended. If Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is used during breast feeding, doses should be kept as low as possible.

Fertility

No studies on fertility in humans with the fixed dose combination or with the individual components have been performed.In preclinical studies, no effects of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide on male and female fertility were observed.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide can have influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Dizziness, syncope or vertigo may occasionally occur when taking antihypertensive therapy such as Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide.

If patients experience these adverse events, they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most commonly reported adverse reaction is dizziness. Serious angioedema may occur rarely (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000).

The overall incidence of adverse reactions reported with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide was comparable to those reported with telmisartan alone in randomised controlled trials involving 1471 patients randomised to receive telmisartan plus hydrochlorothiazide (835) or telmisartan alone (636). Dose-relationship of adverse reactions was not established and they showed no correlation with gender, age or race of the patients.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported in all clinical trials and occurring more frequently (p ≤0.05) with telmisartan plus hydrochlorothiazide than with placebo are shown below according to system organ class. Adverse reactions known to occur with each component given singly but which have not been seen in clinical trials may occur during treatment with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide.

Adverse reactions have been ranked under headings of frequency using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Infections and infestations

Rare:

Bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis

Immune system disorders

Rare:

Exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus1

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Hypokalaemia

Hyperuricaemia, hyponatraemia

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Anxiety

Depression

Nervous system disorders

Common:

Uncommon:

Rare:

Dizziness

Syncope, paraesthesia

Insomnia, sleep disorders

Eye disorders

Rare:

Visual disturbance, vision blurred

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Uncommon:

Vertigo

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon:

Tachycardia, arrhythmias

Vascular disorders

Uncommon:

Hypotension, orthostatic hypotension

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Dyspnoea

Respiratory distress (including pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema)

Gastrointestinal disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Diarrhoea, dry mouth, flatulence

Abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, vomiting, gastritis

Hepatobiliary disorders

Rare:

Abnormal hepatic function/liver disorder2

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rare:

Angioedema (also with fatal outcome), erythema, pruritus, rash, hyperhidrosis, urticaria

Muscoloskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Back pain, muscle spasms, myalgia

Arthralgia, muscle cramps, pain in limb

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Uncommon:

Erectile dysfunction

General disorders and administration site conditions

Uncommon:

Rare:

Chest pain

Influenza-like illness, pain

Investigations

Uncommon:

Rare:

Blood uric acid increased

Blood creatinine increased, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, hepatic enzyme increased

1: Based on post-marketing experience

2: For further description, please see sub-section “Description of selected adverse reactions”

Additional information on individual components

Adverse reactions previously reported with one of the individual components may be potential adverse reactions with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide, even if not observed in clinical trials with this product.

Telmisartan:

Adverse reactions occurred with similar frequency in placebo and telmisartan treated patients.

The overall incidence of adverse reactions reported with telmisartan (41.4 %) was usually comparable to placebo (43.9 %) in placebo controlled trials. The following adverse reactions listed below have been accumulated from all clinical trials in patients treated with telmisartan for hypertension or in patients 50 years or older at high risk of cardiovascular events.

Infections and infestations

Uncommon:

Rare:

Upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection including cystitis

Sepsis including fatal outcome3

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Anaemia

Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia

Immune system disorders

Rare:

Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reactions

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Uncommon:

Rare:

Hyperkalaemia

Hypoglycaemia (in diabetic patients)

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon:

Bradycardia

Nervous system disorders

Rare:

Somnolence

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Uncommon:

Very rare:

Cough

Interstitial lung disease3

Gastrointestinal disorders

Rare:

Stomach discomfort

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rare:

Eczema, drug eruption, toxic skin eruption

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

Rare:

Arthrosis, tendon pain

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon:

Renal impairment (including acute renal failure)

General disorders and administration site conditions

Uncommon:

Asthenia

Investigations

Rare:

Haemoglobin decreased

3: For further description, please see sub-section “Description of selected adverse reactions”

Hydrochlorothiazide:

Hydrochlorothiazide may cause or exacerbate hypovolaemia which could lead to electrolyte imbalance (see section 4.4).

Adverse reactions reported with the use of hydrochlorothiazide alone include:

Infections and infestations

Not known:

Sialadenitis

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Not known:

Non-melanoma skin cancer (Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Rare:

Thrombocytopenia (sometimes with purpura)

Not known:

Aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, bone marrow failure, leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis,

Immune system disorders

Not known:

Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity

Endocrine disorders

Not known:

Diabetes mellitus inadequate control

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Common:

Hypomagnesaemia

Rare:

Hypercalcaemia

Very rare:

Hypochloraemic alkalosis

Not known:

Anorexia, appetite decreased, electrolyte imbalance, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperglycaemia, hypovolaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Not known:

Restlessness

Nervous system disorders

Rare:

Headache

Not known:

Light-headedness

Eye disorders

Not known

Xanthopsia, acute myopia, acute angle-closure glaucoma,

Choroidal effusion

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Very rare:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (see section 4.4)

Vascular disorders

Not known:

Vasculitis necrotizing

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common:

Nausea

Not known:

Pancreatitis, stomach discomfort

Hepatobiliary disorders

Not known:

Jaundice hepatocellular, jaundice cholestatic

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Not known:

Lupus-like syndrome, photosensitivity reactions, skin vasculitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

Not known:

Weakness

Renal and urinary disorders

Not known:

Nephritis interstitial, renal dysfunction, glycosuria

General disorders and administration site conditions

Not known:

Pyrexia

Investigations

Not known:

Triglycerides increased

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hepatic function abnormal / liver disorder

Most cases of hepatic function abnormal / liver disorder from post-marketing experience with telmisartan occurred in Japanese patients. Japanese patients are more likely to experience these adverse reactions.

Sepsis

In the PRoFESS trial, an increased incidence of sepsis was observed with telmisartan compared with placebo. The event may be a chance finding or related to a mechanism currently not known (see section 5.1).

Interstitial lung disease

Cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported from post-marketing experience in temporal association with the intake of telmisartan. However, a causal relationship has not been established.

Non-melanoma skin cancer

Based on available data from epidemiological studies, cumulative dose-dependent association between HCTZ and NMSC has been observed (see also sections 4.4 and 5.1).

Intestinal angioedema

Cases of intestinal angioedema have been reported after the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (see section 4.4).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

4.9. Overdose

There is limited information available for telmisartan with regard to overdose in humans. The degree to which hydrochlorothiazide is removed by haemodialysis has not been established.

Symptoms

The most prominent manifestations of telmisartan overdose were hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia, dizziness, vomiting, increase in serum creatinine, and acute renal failure have also been reported. Overdose with hydrochlorothiazide is associated with electrolyte depletion (hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia) and hypovolaemia resulting from excessive diuresis. The most common signs and symptoms of overdose are nausea and somnolence. Hypokalaemia may result in muscle spasms and/or accentuate arrhythmia associated with the concomitant use of digitalis glycosides or certain anti-arrhythmic medicinal products.

Treatment

Telmisartan is not removed by haemodialysis. The patient should be closely monitored, and the treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Management depends on the time since ingestion and the severity of the symptoms. Suggested measures include induction of emesis and/or gastric lavage. Activated charcoal may be useful in the treatment of overdose. Serum electrolytes and creatinine should be monitored frequently. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position, with salt and volume replacements given quickly.