Starting on BENICAR or BENICAR HCT

Starting a new blood pressure medicine—or any medicine you have to take regularly—is not always easy. It may take getting used to, but you can do it. Remember: when you start your blood pressure medicine and stay on treatment, you can help close in on your blood pressure goal.

Getting the most from BENICAR or BENICAR HCT

BENICAR or BENICAR HCT works best when you take it correctly from the time you start your treatment. Take BENICAR or BENICAR HCT:

Once a day, every day
With or without food
As prescribed by your doctor

Not taking your medicine may cause your blood pressure to rise. Do not cut back on or stop taking BENICAR or BENICAR HCT without first talking to your doctor.

Remember: There is no generic form of BENICAR or BENICAR HCT. Ask your pharmacist to fill your prescription with the brand your doctor prescribed.

Talk to your doctor about which dose is right for you

Most doctors prescribe the lowest starting dose of BENICAR or BENICAR HCT to their patients. Then, if that doesn’t lower blood pressure enough, they may raise the dose. Your doctor will decide the dose that’s right for you.

Taking charge and taking your medicine

Missing a dose of your medicine is easy when your day is so busy. To help you stay on track with your medicine, try these tips:

Pill bottle, a glass of water, and a clock

Take your pill as directed by your doctor at the same time as other daily habits.

Use a pillbox with divided sections for each day of the week to help you keep track.

Calendar with some of the days crossed off

Put a pen and small calendar near your medicine and mark off each day after you take your dose.

Place a sticker or reminder note on your refrigerator.

When you are away from home, carry a supply of your pills. This helps keep you from missing a dose.

Tracking your blood pressure

See the results of your efforts as you start taking BENICAR or BENICAR HCT. Keep track of your blood pressure with this blood pressure tracker (PDF) provided by the Right Fit Blood Pressure Program.

Record the date and your blood pressure numbers each time your blood pressure is measured
Share your tracker with your doctor at your next appointment

Points to remember

Keep taking BENICAR or BENICAR HCT, even if your blood pressure is improving
Refill your prescription before it runs out
There is no generic form of BENICAR or BENICAR HCT. Always check that you are getting the medicine your doctor prescribed
Check your blood pressure (PDF) regularly to track how well your medicine is helping you