How to monitor your blood pressure changes¹

It's important to check in with your doctor to be sure that your dose is right and that you're on your way to your blood pressure goal. Keep track of what is happening, so that you'll be able to tell your doctor how your plan is working.

• Learn to take your own blood pressure at home or have it regularly checked by a healthcare professional. Write it down each time with the date.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about the names and doses of your blood pressure medicines and how to take them.
• If you think you're having other problems (side effects) from taking your medicine, talk to your doctor.
• Refill your blood pressure medicines before they run out.
• Take your blood pressure medicines exactly as directed — don't skip days or cut pills in half.
• Keep your follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

The goal is within reach²

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider questions about your treatment and what you need to do to take care of yourself and lower your high blood pressure. Stick with the treatment plan you and your doctor have agreed on. In addition to taking Benicar exactly as the doctor tells you, ask for help with any or all of the following:

• If overweight, lose weight.
• Doing physical activity for 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Eating a diet high in fresh fruits and lowfat dairy products with reduced saturated and total fats.
• Choosing foods that are lower in salt and other forms of sodium.
• If you drink alcohol, having no more than one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.
• Remembering to take your blood pressure medicine.

Important Note: Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Next: read important safety information for Benicar/Benicar HCT