Olmesartan and pregnancy
Olmesartan is not recommended in pregnancy. It can reduce the level of fluid around your baby, particularly if you take it in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can result in long-term damage to your baby's kidneys and lungs as well as other problems.
It's best to stop taking olmesartan before getting pregnant, but you may be able to keep taking it until you have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your condition and the risks and benefits of olmesartan.
If you're already pregnant, stop taking olmesartan and talk to your doctor straight away. Usually your doctor will be able to prescribe a different medicine that is safer to take in pregnancy. Olmesartan should be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant.
It's important to use contraception if you're taking olmesartan and plan any pregnancy with your doctor or specialist carefully. They will review your condition and medicine before you get pregnant.
Olmesartan and breastfeeding
It may be OK to take olmesartan while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It's best not to take olmesartan if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.
It's not yet known how much olmesartan gets into breast milk. There is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Until we know more about olmesartan in breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend a different medicine for you to take.
Talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor if:
- your baby is not feeding as well as usual
- your baby seems unusually sleepy
- your baby looks much paler than normal
- you have any other concerns about your baby
Olmesartan and fertility
There's no evidence that olmesartan reduces fertility in men or women.
But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
For more information about how angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like olmesartan can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.