Atacand

FAQ

• How Does Atacand Work?

  Atacand, and the generic version Candesartan, belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers, which essentially work by relaxing your blood vessels so that blood can flow through them more easily. There is a chemical in your body, angiotensin II, that causes your blood vessels to constrict. Candesartan, the active ingredient in Atacand, blocks the action of angiotensin II, causing the blood vessels to relax and your blood pressure to decrease. By lowering your blood pressure, it also helps reduce the severity and duration of migraines.

• Is Atacand Easy To Get?

  Absolutely! Atacand is commonly prescribed as a treatment for lowering blood pressure, so you should be able to find it easily at most pharmacies. No insurance? Don't worry — we have you covered! At Nurx, we are committed to providing affordable medication for our patients, regardless of whether they carry health insurance. We can also help if you don't have a doctor you regularly go to. We work with real doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists in every state in which we are available.

  Our physicians would typically only prescribe a generic antihypertensive medication like this for treating migraines. Our Headache and Migraine Treatment is available for an annual $60 consultation fee, which you pay when you complete your medical evaluation, and your insurance doesn't cover it.

  If you carry medical insurance, Nurx will bill your insurance company for the cost of your medication. You would be responsible for any co-payments, which vary depending on your insurance plan. If you don't have any insurance, don't stress. We provide medication that won't break the bank. The medication for migraine treatment, without insurance, typically costs between $25 and $70 per month.

• Are There Any Precautions I Should Take When Using Atacand?

  Let your doctor know if you have any known allergies to candesartan. It's important to always tell your doctor about your allergies because you may be allergic to an inactive ingredient. You should also tell your physician about your medical history, especially if you have a record of high levels of potassium in the blood, liver disease, or a loss of too much water. Always consult with your doctor before taking a potassium or salt supplement, as Atacand can increase your potassium levels.

• What Are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Atacand?

  One reason doctors prescribe this medication is that the side effects, when they occur, tend to be very mild. With that said, like all drugs, this medication does carry a risk of side effects. The most common side effects include a runny nose, sore throat, back pain, stomach pain, joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, slow heart rate, weak pulse, and a tingly feeling.

  Some of the less common side effects include bleeding gums, fever, fainting, irregular heartbeat, chills, tightness in the chest, nausea, sweating, vomiting, cough, swelling of the feet or lower legs, painful urination, and shortness of breath. You should check with your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms after starting Atacand.

• Does Atacand Interact Negatively With Other Medications?

  There are many known drug interactions for Atacand. Some that may interact poorly with this medication include lithium, aliskiren, and drugs that can increase potassium levels in the blood, such as benazepril, lisinopril, or birth control that contains drospirenone. There are also some drugs that have ingredients that could potentially elevate a patient's blood pressure or increase the likelihood of heart failure. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you're taking so that they can explain how to use them safely.

• How Do I Get a Prescription for Atacand Through Nurx?

  While we typically prescribe other generic antihypertensives, you may be able to get a prescription for Atacand if you have tried it before and were successful. When you're starting your journey with Nurx, you'll complete an online assessment and consultation with a licensed provider. Our providers will prescribe the best medication for you.

  However, because we do not carry Atacand, only generic antihypertensive medications, we won't be able to ship Atacand to you directly if it is prescribed. You'll have to have your prescription filled at your local pharmacy. You'll also have to pay pharmacy prices or use your insurance provider through your pharmacy.

• Can I Buy Atacand Online Through Nurx?

  Unfortunately, no. We only carry the generic version of antihypertensive medications for treating chronic migraines. If you want the brand name, you will need to get the prescription from one of our doctors and take it to your local pharmacy. However, if you are comfortable with a generic version made with the same active ingredients as Atacand, you absolutely can get your medication through Nurx! After an online consultation, our providers will put together a treatment plan for you and will write a prescription for the appropriate medication. Once the prescription is filled, we'll send it straight to your door! No hassle, and no waiting in line at the pharmacy.

• How Long Would It Take to Deliver a Generic Antihypertensive Medication If I Bought It Online?

  If you buy the generic version of your medication through Nurx rather than Atacand, you typically will receive it three to five days after the medication is filled at our pharmacy. We offer delivery for free through USPS using their one- to three-day priority shipping option.

• Who Makes This Drug?

  Atacand is manufactured by AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, England.

• How Should I Use This Medication?

  Always follow the directions on the label for taking Atacand, making sure to take the medication at regular intervals as prescribed. Never take it more frequently than directed, and always consult with your physician if you want to stop suddenly. If you stop taking the medication too fast, you could cause serious side effects or make your condition worse.

• Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Atacand?

  Drinking alcohol can increase the blood-lowering effect of Atacand, which can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. It's best to avoid alcohol for a few days when you first start taking Atacand or if your doctor increases the dosage to see how your body reacts before consuming alcohol. If you do drink alcohol and notice that you feel lightheaded or dizzy, it's best to stop immediately and avoid it altogether.

• Is Atacand Safe to Take for a Long Time?

  In general, Atacand is safe to take for long periods. In fact, the medication tends to work best when you take it over a long period of time. However, it can sometimes have an impact on how well your kidneys function. With regular blood tests, your doctor can monitor your kidneys while you are on the medication.

• How Long Does It Take for Atacand to Work?

  You usually will start to see the effects of Atacand, or its generic version Candesartan, two hours after first taking the medication. With that said, it can take up to four weeks to take full effect. If you're taking it for high blood pressure or as migraine prevention, you may not have symptoms, and so you may not feel any different when taking it. However, that doesn't mean the medication isn't working, so it's important to continue taking it as your doctor prescribed.

• Are There Any Foods or Drinks I Need to Avoid While Taking Atacand?

  Because Atacand and Candesartan can increase your potassium levels, it's best to avoid consuming too much salt. Also, do not use salt substitutes like LoSalt, since they are high in potassium. Other than being cautious about alcohol consumption, there is nothing else you need to avoid while taking Atacand. If you struggle with high blood pressure, consuming a balanced, healthy diet can help.

• How Does Nurx Work?

  Nurx is a telehealth platform offering easy online access to doctors and seamless delivery of medications. No more time-consuming trips to the clinic and no more frantic pharmacy runs. We put you in control of your own health, empowering you to get the care you need, when you need it. From diagnosis to delivery of prescriptions, we make every part of getting healthy and staying healthy, better. For more information and to sign up, visit www.nurx.com and follow us @nurxapp on Twitter and Instagram.