AMLODIPINE/VALSARTAN - ORAL

AMLODIPINE/VALSARTAN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (am-LOE-di-peen/val-SAR-tan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Exforge

GENERIC NAME(S): amlodipine besylate/valsartan

Uses

USES: This product is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications: amlodipine and valsartan. They both work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).


How to use AMLODIPINE/VALSARTAN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this product. Keep taking this product even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough or abdominal/stomach pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling hands/ankles/feet, fainting, fast heartbeat, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat). Some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience: worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either amlodipine or valsartan, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, a certain heart valve condition (aortic stenosis), loss of too much body water and minerals (dehydration). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.) It is unknown if valsartan passes into breast milk. Amlodipine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone). Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

Images

EXFORGE 5-160 MG TABLET

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dark yellow
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oblong
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NVR, ECE
EXFORGE 10-160 MG TABLET

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light yellow
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NVR, UIC
EXFORGE 5-320 MG TABLET

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dark yellow
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oblong
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NVR, CSF
EXFORGE 10-320 MG TABLET

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dark yellow
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oblong
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NVR, LUF
AMLODIPINE-VALSARTAN 5-160 MG

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dark yellow
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TV, J2
AMLODIPINE-VALSARTAN 5-160 MG

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dark yellow
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TV, J2
AMLODIPINE-VALSARTAN 10-160 MG

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light yellow
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TV, J3
AMLODIPINE-VALSARTAN 10-160 MG

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light yellow
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TV, J3
AMLODIPINE-VALSARTAN 5-320 MG

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light brown
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TV, J4

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Faq for AMLODIPINE/VALSARTAN - ORAL

Amlodipine/valsartan is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure. It contains two active ingredients: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker.

Amlodipine/valsartan works by relaxing the blood vessels and improving blood flow, which helps to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine blocks calcium channels in the muscles surrounding blood vessels, while valsartan inhibits the hormone angiotensin II from constricting blood vessels.

Common side effects of amlodipine/valsartan may include dizziness, headache, swelling in the ankles or feet, flushing, or a fast heartbeat. These side effects typically go away on their own, but if they persist or worsen, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

Besides high blood pressure, amlodipine/valsartan is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of heart failure or to reduce the risk of heart attack in certain patients. However, it is important to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate use of this medication for your specific condition.

Amlodipine/valsartan is usually taken once a day, with or without food. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your doctor.

Amlodipine/valsartan may interact with other medications, such as certain diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or lithium. It is important to inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Amlodipine/valsartan is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding as it is unknown if the medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor for alternative options if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.


Warning

WARNING: Valsartan can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.