candesartan / HCTZ

Don't take Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) if you're pregnant. Candesartan in Atacand HCT can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening harm to unborn babies. If you find out that you're pregnant, stop taking this medication and let your prescriber know right away. If you're pregnant before starting Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, discuss with your healthcare professional (HCP) about safer options to treat your blood pressure.

• Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Receiving dialysis | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Eating low-salt diet | Taking diuretic medications for a long time | Heart failure

Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common if you're dehydrated from diarrhea or vomiting, or if you have heart failure. Before you start Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), your care team will check to see if your fluid and salt levels are balanced. They will instruct you to stay well-hydrated to avoid having blood pressure that's too low. Sit down slowly while holding onto something if you feel dizzy from low blood pressure. Let your care team know if your blood pressure drops too much. Get medical help immediately if you fall and hit your head.

• Risk factors: Certain kidney problems | Severe heart failure | Loss of water and salt

In general, ARBs like candesartan in Atacand HCT can protect the kidneys. But in some cases, they might also cause kidney injury. For example, ARBs might cause harm in people with severe heart failure, a kidney condition called renal artery stenosis (RAS), or are dehydrated. Let your prescriber know if you're having problems with urination, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.

• Risk factors: Taking other medications that can change electrolyte, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels

Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the level of certain electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium in your body. It can also change your blood sugar levels and raise the cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

You might need regular blood tests done while taking Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) to check that your electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are within a safe range. Let your care team know about all the medications you're taking because some of them can cause similar changes. Also, tell your care team if you experience an irregular heartbeat, weakness, low energy, muscle weakness or cramps, reduced urination, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte imbalances.

• Risk factors: History allergies or asthma | Allergy to sulfa

Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause allergic reactions. Your risk is higher if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or a sulfa allergy, though it can happen to anyone. Let your prescriber know if you have a rash, itchiness, hives, trouble breathing, or swelling in the face.

• Risk factors: History of sulfa or penicillin allergy

Although rare, some people experience vision changes or eye pain within hours or weeks of starting taking hydrochlorothiazide, an ingredient in Atacand HCT. Tell your prescriber right away about any vision changes and stop taking Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), as untreated symptoms could lead to permanent vision loss.

• Risk factors: History of lupus

Medications containing hydrochlorothiazide like Atacand HCT can cause or worsen lupus. Talk to your prescriber if you have symptoms such as feeling very tired, joint pain, or a skin rash across your cheeks and nose.