Twynsta is an oral tablet consisting of two drugs; a calcium channel blocker called amlodipine and a angiotensin II receptor antagonist called telmisartan. We carry both the brand choice (Twynsta) and the generic alternative. You can purchase this medication in 40mg/5mg, 40mg/10mg, 80mg/5mg and 80mg/10mg. 

Twynsta is a medication used to help hypertension. Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of your blood vessels and when that force is high, it causes your heart to have to work harder which can cause damage. A big factor of high blood pressure is narrow blood vessels; when blood vessels are narrow, less blood can flow through, which makes blood flow less smoothly. Hypertension can be caused by a few things; a high salt, fat, and/or cholesterol diet, chronic conditions (such as chronic diabetes), family history, lack of physical exercise, overweight and obesity, stress, and drug use. If hypertension goes untreated for too long, a person risks health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

Twynsta (telmisartan/amlodipine) is effective at treating high blood pressure because of the abilities of the active ingredients. Telmisartan is able to keep the blood vessels from narrowing while amlodipine relaxes them, which ends up widening them. With both drugs working to keep the blood vessels relaxed and unable to become narrow, it allows the blood pressure to remain at a lower level.

Only use this medication the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not use more or less of a dose, or for a longer or shorter amount of time. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often; ensure you keep up with all doctor’s appointments. If you begin feeling well during treatment, do not stop taking this medication. High blood pressure often times shows little-to-no symptoms.  

You may take this medication with or without food, but it should be taken the same way each dose.

Store at room temperature in a low risk area of heat and moisture. Do not take a tablet out of the pack until you are ready to take it.

Do not use Twynsta (telmisartan/amlodipine)

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or telmisartan (Micardis). Do not use Twynsta along with medications that contain aliskiren, especially those with kidney disease.

Do not use Twynsta if you are pregnant.

The FDA does not approve anyone under the age of 18 to use this medication.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is the right one for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, an electrolyte imbalance, or if you are on a low salt diet. Tell your doctor about all drug allergies, prescription medications, and medical conditions you may have.

Risks

Twynsta can cause injury or death to an unborn child if taken by the pregnant mother. You should use effective birth control while being treated with Twynsta.

Speak with your doctor before breastfeeding while being treated with Twynsta.

In rare cases, this drug has caused a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.

Common side effects of Twynsta (telmisartan/amlodipine) may include:

swelling in your hands or feet; fast or pounding heartbeats; dizziness, drowsiness; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); back pain; or nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain.

The above side effects should not alarm you

Serious side effects of Twynsta (telmisartan/amlodipine) may include:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; new or worsened chest pain; pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; tremors, muscle stiffness or twitching;

high potassium: nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or

break down of skeletal muscle tissue: unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

If you have any of the above side effects or signs of complications, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

You should avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Doing so may cause you to become dizzy or lightheaded, which could result in injury if you were to lose balance and fall.

How old do you have to be to use this medication?

The FDA states that anyone under the age of 18 is not approved to use this medication; you must be at least 18 years old to use Twynsta.

What is the average dose for an adult with hypertension?

The average dose for an adult with hypertension is 5mg/40mg once a day. The dose may be increased (if needed) after 2 weeks. Do not exceed more than 10mg/80mg per day.

Are there any supplements I should avoid while being treated with Twynsta?

Yes. You should avoid taking potassium supplements. You may also want to avoid salt substitutes while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.