Compare Avapro vs. Micardis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Avapro (irbesartan)

Prescription only

Micardis (telmisartan)

Prescription only
Lowers blood pressure.

Avapro (irbesartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects your kidneys and has few side effects.

Lowers blood pressure.

Micardis (telmisartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects your kidneys and has few side effects.

Upsides
  • Avapro (irbesartan) lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • It works similar to ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril), but it doesn't have the same side effects like coughing and facial swelling.
  • Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
  • It's recommended for people with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.
  • Available in generic, and available with hydrochlorothiazide as a combination tablet.
  • Micardis (telmisartan) lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • It's similar to ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril), but it doesn't cause the same side effects like coughing.
  • Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
Downsides
  • You'll need to get yearly blood tests while taking Avapro (irbesartan) to see how it is affecting your body.
  • It's not safe to use Avapro (irbesartan) if you're pregnant.
  • Avapro (irbesartan) can cause the level of potassium in your blood to go up.
  • You'll need to get medical help if you notice any unusual swelling around your head and neck.
  • Can't be used in children under 18.
  • You'll need to get regular blood tests while taking Micardis (telmisartan) to see how it is affecting your body.
  • It's not safe to use Micardis (telmisartan) if you're pregnant.
  • Micardis (telmisartan) can cause the level of potassium in your blood to go up.
  • You'll need to get medical help if you notice any unusual swelling around your head and neck.
  • Micardis (telmisartan) is eliminated by the liver, so people who have liver problems should use it carefully.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
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$21.93
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Lowest price
$15.99
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Reviews
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Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Fatigue
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Heartburn
    2%
See more detailed side effects
4possible side effects
  • Common cold
    7%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Sinus infection
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Birth defects
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Worsening kidney problems
    • History of kidney problems
  • Swelling in the face and head
    • African descent
  • High potassium levels
    • Current kidney problems
    • Using medicines that increase potassium
    • Using salt substitutes
  • Lightheadedness & dizziness
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that lower your blood pressure
    • Taking diurectics (water pills)
    • Dehydration
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Worsening kidney problems
    • History of kidney problems
  • Swelling of face and head
    • African descent
  • Heart problems due to high potassium
    • Current kidney problems
    • Medicine that increase potassium
    • Use of salt substitutes
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that lower your blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Avapro (irbesartan)
Learn more about Micardis (telmisartan)