From the Guidelines
Telmisartan can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, although such reactions are very rare. Telmisartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, belonging to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). While most people tolerate it well, a small number of individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or fainting. These reactions typically occur shortly after starting the medication or increasing the dose. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking telmisartan, seek immediate medical attention.
Key Points to Consider
- The risk of severe allergic reactions to telmisartan is very low, and the benefits of the medication in controlling blood pressure often outweigh this risk for most patients 1.
- However, if you have a history of allergies to other ARBs or ACE inhibitors, inform your doctor before starting telmisartan.
- Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that may have a wide range of clinical manifestations, and epinephrine administered intramuscularly is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis 1.
- Risk factors for severe anaphylaxis include cardiovascular disease, asthma, older age, and additional coexisting, comorbid conditions 1.
- Medications and stinging insects are the leading triggers in adults, with foods and stinging insects the most frequently implicated triggers in children and adolescents 1.
Recommendations for Patients
- Be aware of the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms while taking telmisartan.
- Inform your doctor of any history of allergies to other ARBs or ACE inhibitors before starting telmisartan.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for taking telmisartan and report any side effects or concerns promptly.
- Consider carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if you have a history of anaphylaxis or are at high risk of anaphylaxis, and know how to use it properly 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Telmisartan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis or angioedema) to telmisartan or any other component of this product [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Rare, serious allergic reactions may happen. Tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms: swelling of the face, tongue, throat difficulty breathing skin rash
Telmisartan can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to telmisartan or any other component of the product should not take telmisartan. If a patient experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or skin rash, they should seek medical attention immediately 2.
From the Research
Telmisartan and Allergic Reactions
- Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, has been reported to cause rare but potentially dangerous adverse effects, including angioedema 3.
- Angioedema is a type of swelling that can involve the soft tissue of the eyelids, nose, throat, tongue, mouth, or genitals, and can be a symptom of an allergic reaction.
- In one case report, a 52-year-old female patient developed angioedema after taking telmisartan and amlodipine, and the symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the medication 3.
Anaphylaxis and Telmisartan
- There is limited evidence directly linking telmisartan to severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
- However, other studies have reported on the risk of anaphylactic reactions with other medications, such as oxaliplatin 4, and the importance of monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions with certain drugs, such as antiepileptic drugs 5.
- It is possible that telmisartan could cause anaphylaxis in rare cases, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Hypersensitivity Reactions and Medications
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with various medications, including antiepileptic drugs 5 and oxaliplatin 4.
- These reactions can be severe and potentially life-threatening, and it is essential to monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions when starting new medications.
- In some cases, switching from a brand-name to a generic medication can also increase the risk of allergic reactions due to differences in excipients 6.