What box warning is associated with Olmesartan?

Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), does carry a boxed warning related to pregnancy. This warning emphasizes that the use of olmesartan during pregnancy can cause injury and death to the developing fetus, especially during the second and third trimesters. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists can interfere with normal fetal development due to their effects on the renin-angiotensin system, which is crucial for the growth and blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, it is important for women of childbearing age to be aware that olmesartan should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected to avoid potential harm.

No boxed warnings refer to hypotension or aortic dissection specifically in the context of olmesartan, and while hypotension can occur as a side effect of the medication, it does not warrant a boxed warning. Additionally, while there are implications for aortic dissection in patients treated with other antihypertensives, it is not a known boxed warning for olmesartan itself. Hence, the accurate answer regarding the boxed warning for olmesartan relates primarily to its risks during pregnancy.