Exforge

The active ingredients in Exforge are amlodipine besylate and valsartan. Amlodipine besylate is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). By blocking this receptor, it also helps relax your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. Exforge is typically used in people whose blood pressure was not controlled on amlodipine or valsartan monotherapy.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Exforge. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Exforge:

• Exforge can be taken with or without food, and it is typically taken once daily.
• You may require frequent blood tests and regular blood pressure checks. Other medications, lifestyle modifications, diet, and exercise may also be part of your treatment. Pay close attention to your doctor's instructions. A prolonged illness may cause your blood pressure to drop too low. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, call your doctor.
• If you are scheduled for surgery, let your doctor know.
• Even if you feel better, continue taking this medication. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent.

The most common side effects of Exforge seen in clinical trials include:

• Nasopharyngitis (common cold) symptoms such as a runny nose and a sore throat.
• Swelling in the legs or the arms (peripheral edema).
• Dizziness.
• Low blood pressure or lightheadedness after standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Exforge. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Pale skin, lightheadedness, dizziness, and a faint feeling are signs of dangerously low blood pressure.
• Sweating, lightheadedness, chest tightness, or chest pain are all signs of a heart attack or angina.
• Confusion, difficulty thinking clearly, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, difficulty urinating, and swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet are all signs of kidney problems or worsening kidney disease.
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in the blood can cause tingling, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and a racing heartbeat.
• Skin rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat are examples of allergic reactions.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Exforge. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Exforge, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have heart failure or other heart problems.
• Have hepatic impairment or other severe liver problems.
• Have renal impairment, renal failure, or are on dialysis.
• Are vomiting or having a lot of diarrhea.
• Are taking any aliskiren-containing medications (e.g., Amturnide, Tekturna, Valturna, or Tekamlo).
• Are using potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

It will not be safe for you to take Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you. Please inform your healthcare provider of this.

• Allergy to valsartan, amlodipine, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product such as silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.
• Are diabetic and taking aliskiren (Tekturna).

Exforge's full blood pressure-lowering effect usually takes two weeks. You should continue taking the medication and get in touch with your doctor if, after taking it daily for two weeks, your blood pressure doesn't change.

When Exforge is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine.
• Sildenafil.
• Rifampin.
• Ritonavir.
• Simvastatin.
• Lithium.
• Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide.

-Other antihypertensive agents such as beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol) or ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril).

• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen.

The typical dosage is as follows:

Adults: Exforge 5 mg/160 mg taken orally once daily is the usual starting dosage. Depending on whether you are experiencing side effects and how well the medication is lowering your blood pressure, your doctor may change your dosage. The maximum dosage is taken orally once daily at a dose of 10 mg/320 mg of amlodipine/valsartan.

If you miss a dose of Exforge, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed one and take the medication at its regular time. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store your Exforge in a cool, dry place at room temperature, and be sure to keep this medication out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Exforge is Novartis.

There are multiple lower-cost generic versions available of Exforge.

You risk worsening your condition if you abruptly stop taking Exforge. Unless instructed to do so by your physician, do not stop taking your medication.

If you are pregnant, avoid using Exforge as it can cause injury or death to your unborn baby. Stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.

Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Exforge. However, talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.