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What are Amlodipine; Valsartan tablets?

AMLODIPINE; VALSARTAN (Exforge®) is a combination of two prescription drugs used to lower blood pressure. This two drug product is used for in place of given each drug separately. Both drugs work together to relax blood vessels. Relaxing the blood vessels can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. By lowering blood pressure, amlodipine; valsartan can help reduce your risk of having damage to your kidneys, heart, or other organs. This medicine does not cure high blood pressure.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• heart problems, including heart failure or aortic stenosis
• low blood pressure
• kidney disease, specifically renal artery stenosis
• liver disease
• electrolyte imbalance (like low or high levels of potassium in the blood)
• vomiting or have diarrhea
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet and using potassium substitutes
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine, valsartan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take the tablets with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Amlodipine; Valsartan?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen)
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• bosentan
• herbal or dietary supplements such as ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice
• imatinib, STI-571
• lithium
• local anesthetics or general anesthetics
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for prostate problems
• medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• other medicines for high blood pressure
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)
• some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
• water pills (especially potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene or amiloride)
• yohimbine
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Amlodipine; Valsartan?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking this drug. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Make sure you schedule appointments on a regular basis.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your prescriber or health care professional.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how you can gradually reduce the dose.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Amlodipine; Valsartan?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash
Other:
• decreased amount of urine passed
• confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• decreased sexual function
• irregular heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations
• swelling of legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• facial flushing
• fatigue or tiredness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or gas
• weakness or fatigue

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.