GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Amias is an agent used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure that works by blocking the angiotensin-II receptor.'.

If you think Amias is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Amias is a medicine that belongs to a group called angiotensin II receptor antagonists, used to treat high blood pressure and reduced heart muscle function.

Amias works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through them more easily. It also helps to make it easier for your heart to pump blood to all the parts of your body.

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) or heart problems can be linked to a number of factors, such as a family history, a diet high in salt or being overweight or inactive.

In addition to some lifestyle changes (such as smoking and/or drinking less and exercising more), it’s often advised to take medication, such as Amias, to manage the conditions in order to prevent more serious ailments such as stroke, heart attack or blood clots.

Amias is a prescription-only medication. Follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Take the tablets by swallowing whole with a drink of water, with or without food. You should take it at the same time of day, in order to help you remember.

Amias contains the active ingredient candesartan cilexetil, in strengths of either 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, 16mg or 32mg per tablet.

The normal starting dose is one 8mg tablet a day, which then may be increased by your doctor if they think you need it. You may be prescribed a slightly lower starting dose if you have liver or kidney problems, or based on your age or weight. The dose will also be slightly different if you’re using Amias to treat heart failure, as opposed to high blood pressure.

If you forget to take your Amias tablet then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t worry but don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.

If you take more Amias than you should, then go to your nearest doctor or emergency department immediately.

Before taking Amias, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Amias if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are allergic to candesartan cilexetil or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are more than 3 months pregnant
• if you have severe liver disease or biliary obstruction
• if the patient is a child under 1 year of age
• if you are taking a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren and you have diabetes or impaired kidney function.

Your prescription of Amias may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• if you have heart, liver or kidney problems, or are on dialysis
• if you have recently had a kidney transplant
• if you are vomiting, have recently had severe vomiting, or have diarrhoea
• if you have a disease of the adrenal gland called Conn’s syndrome
• if you have low blood pressure
• if you have ever had a stroke
• if you think you are (or might become) pregnant
• if you are taking other medicines used to treat high blood pressure
• if you are taking other medicines for the treatment of heart failure.

Like many medications with active ingredients, Amias can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• Other medicines to help lower your blood pressure
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetylsalicylic acid (medicine to relieve pain and inflammation)
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium
• Heparin (a medicine for thinning the blood)
• Water tablets (diuretics)
• Lithium (a medicine for mental health problems)
• Other medicines for the treatment of heart failure.

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Amias will be the best course of action for you.

Like with all sufferers of high blood pressure or heart failure, you should pair your medication with some lifestyle changes such as eating healthily, exercising regularly and avoiding excessive smoking or drinking.

You should consult your doctor before drinking alcohol while on Amias, as it could make you feel faint or dizzy. Your doctor may also perform regular blood pressure, kidney function and blood tests while on this medication.

The most common side effects of using Amias include:

• Feeling dizzy/spinning sensation
• Headache
• Respiratory infection
• Low blood pressure
• An increased amount of potassium in your blood
• Effects on how your kidneys work, especially if you already have kidney problems or heart failure.

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or severe skin reactions.

You can safely buy Amias online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Amias is the right medication for your medical condition.

Yes, you can get Amias on a subscription from UK Meds. By getting your medication on a subscription you can rest assured that you will get it when you need it, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!

More information

Read our helpful blogs to gain a better understanding of managing your blood pressure:

• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
• How to Check Blood Pressure From Home
• How Can I Reduce My Blood Pressure?