Consumer medicine information

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.


1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil. Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure which is sometimes called hypertension. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to olmesartan medoxomil or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

  • Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan tablet you will need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines. More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.
  • Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, especially if you sweat a lot.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you experience excess vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan. You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, or when your dose is increased.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly (if relevant). Do not give Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan affects you.
  • As with other medicines in this class, Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan may cause dizziness, light-headedness or tiredness in some people.
Drinking alcohol
  • Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
  • If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store tablets below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects: feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint; cough; headache; feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting; diarrhoea.
Serious side effects: skin rash or itchiness; painful joints; fast heart beat; shortness of breath or tightness in the chest.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

Active ingredient(s): olmesartan medoxomil


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?
2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?
5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil. Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. Angiotensin-II is a substance produced in the body which causes blood vessels to tighten. Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan blocks the action of angiotensin-II and therefore relaxes your blood vessels. This helps lower your blood pressure.

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure which is sometimes called hypertension.

2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Warnings

Do not use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan if:

  • you are allergic to olmesartan medoxomil, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction to olmesartan may include skin rash, itchiness, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain.
  • you have serious problems with your kidneys
  • you have serious problems with your liver
  • you have diabetes and are taking a medicine called aliskiren to reduce blood pressure.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any allergies to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
  • have any other medical conditions
    – kidney problems
    – liver problems
    – heart problems
    – excessive vomiting or diarrhoea recently
    – high levels of potassium in your blood
    – problems with your adrenal glands (small glands above the kidneys)
  • take any medicines for any other condition
  • are following a very low salt diet
  • are taking potassium agents, potassium-containing salt substitutes or other medicines that may increase serum potassium (e.g. trimethoprim-containing products).

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take olmesartan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are or intend to become pregnant or plan to breastfeed

Olmesartan may enter your womb or it may pass into the breast milk and there is the possibility that your baby may be affected.

If pregnancy is discovered Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan should be discontinued as soon as possible.

Use in Children

The safety and effectiveness of Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan in children aged less than 1 year has not been established.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan and affect how it works. These include:

  • other medicines used to treat high blood pressure
  • other diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2 inhibitors, medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
  • potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
  • other medicines that may increase serum potassium (e.g. trimethoprim-containing products)
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression.
  • any medicines that contain aliskiren
  • any medicines that contain colesevelam

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan tablet you will need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

How much to take

  • For most adult patients, the usual starting dose of Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan is 20 mg once a day.
    The dose may need to be increased to 40 mg once a day if necessary.
  • For children 6-18 years (weighing 35 kg or more):
    One Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan 20 mg tablet once daily.
  • For children 6-18 years (weighing less than 35 kg):
    One Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan 10 mg tablet once daily.
  • For children 1-5 years (weighing 5 kg or more):
    The dose will vary depending on your child’s weight.

When to take Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

  • Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan should be taken at about the same time each day, with or without food.
    Taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

How to take Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

  • Swallow Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not chew the tablets.

How to long to take Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

  • Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan helps control your condition, but does not cure it. Therefore, you must take Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan every day. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

If you forget to use Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

If you think that you have used too much Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

If you take too much Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, you may feel light-headed, dizzy or you may faint. You may also have a fast heartbeat.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan?

Things you should do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, especially if you sweat a lot.

If you do not drink enough water while taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, you may feel faint, light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.

If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.

If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan may interfere with the results of some tests.

Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says, to make sure Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan is working.

Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up.

Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check your potassium levels and see how your kidneys are working.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • Experience excess vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan. You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
  • Feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, or when your dose is increased.
  • Become pregnant while taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Things you should not do

  • Do not give Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not take Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
  • Do not stop taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan, or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.

Things that would be helpful for your blood pressure

Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.

  • Alcohol – your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
  • Weight – your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart has to do. Some people may need a dietician’s help to lose weight.
  • Diet – eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish.
    Also eat less fat and sugar (especially saturated fat) which includes sausages, fatty meats, full cream dairy products, biscuits, cakes, pastries, chocolates, chips and coconut. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocado and nuts are beneficial in small quantities.
  • Salt – your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table and avoid cooked or processed foods containing high sodium (salt) levels.
  • Exercise – regular exercise, maintained over the long term, helps to reduce blood pressure and helps get the heart fitter. Regular exercise also improves your blood cholesterol levels, helps reduce your weight and stress levels, and improves your sleep, mood and ability to concentrate. However, it is important not to overdo it. Walking is good exercise, but try to find a route that is reasonably flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of programme for you.
  • Smoking – your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least cut down. There are enormous benefits to be gained from giving up smoking. There are many professionals, organisations and strategies to help you quit. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information and advice.

Things to be careful of

  • If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly.
    Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.”

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan affects you.

As with other medicines in this class, Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan may cause dizziness, light-headedness or tiredness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed. If this occurs do not drive.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

Looking after your medicine

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place below 25°C away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effects What to do
General

  • feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint
  • cough
  • headache
  • unusual tiredness or weakness, fatigue

Gut or Gastrointestinal related

  • feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhoea
  • an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach

Infections related

  • ‘flu-like’ symptoms
  • runny or blocked nose, or sneezing
  • bronchitis
  • sore throat and discomfort when swallowing (pharyngitis)
  • urinary tract infection

Others

  • swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
  • back pain
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
They are generally mild and do not cause patients to stop taking Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects What to do
Allergy related

  • skin rash or itchiness
  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing

Muscle-joint related

  • aching, tender or weak muscles not caused by exercise
  • painful joints

Heart related

  • fast heart beat
  • chest pain

Lungs related

  • shortness of breath or tightness in the chest

Liver related

  • yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark urine and itching of the skin.

Others

  • swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
  • symptoms that may indicate high potassium levels in the blood, such as nausea, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, change in heart rhythm
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

What Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
olmesartan medoxomil
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • lactose monohydrate
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • hypromellose
  • hyprolose
  • magnesium stearate
  • Opadry Yellow 03F82788
Potential allergens
  • sugars as lactose

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan looks like

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan 20mg – yellow film coated, round, biconvex tablets debossed with ‘323’ on one side and ‘L’ on other side (Aust R 407776).

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan 40mg – yellow film coated, oval shape, biconvex tablets debossed with ‘L324’ on one side and plain on other side (Aust R 407777).

Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan is supplied in packs of 30 tablets.

Who distributes Blooms The Chemist Olmesartan

Sandoz Pty Ltd
ABN 60 075 449 553
54 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113
Tel: 1800 726 369

This leaflet was prepared in July 2023.

Published by MIMS March 2024