Exforge (Amlodipine / Valsartan)

Description

EXFORGE medication is a combination product with the same active ingredients as NORVASC (amlodipine) and DIOVAN (valsartan). The individual ingredients are combined into one tablet for a more convenient once-daily dosing of both medications together.

EXFORGE medication works by lowering blood pressure and the associated stress on the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure is a known risk factor for heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. By lowering chronically high blood pressure, EXFORGE medication works to prevent fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events.

Directions

EXFORGE medication should be used as directed by your physician and is typically dosed once daily. The medication should be taken with or without food at the same time each day. EXFORGE should be taken every day as directed by the prescribing physician. The effects on blood pressure may take 2-4 weeks to become noticeable and should be monitored by the physician throughout treatment.

Ingredients

Amlodipine

Amlodipine alone is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. The starting dose is amlodipine 5 mg daily and can be increased up to a maximum of amlodipine 10 mg daily. Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker and works by preventing the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth vascular cells. Since the contractility of these cells is dependent on calcium, blockade by amlodipine relaxes both cardiac and vascular cells, decreasing blood pressure.

Valsartan

Valsartan is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, and is initially prescribed at 80 mg to 160 mg once daily; the maximum dosage is 320 mg daily. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a pressor agent that causes vasoconstriction and stimulation of cardiac muscle cells. Valsartan prevents angiotensin II from binding to its cellular target and thus prevents the hypertensive action of the pressor. Therefore, blocking angiotensin II has the net effect of lowering blood pressure.

Cautions

EXFORGE medication should not be used in pregnant women, as valsartan can cause injury to the developing fetus. Consult with your physician if you become pregnant while taking EXFORGE.

If you experience hypotension (very low blood pressure), consult with your prescribing physician, as this might be an indication that the dose of EXFORGE medication needs to be decreased.

Physicians should use caution while starting EXFORGE in patients on dialysis for kidney failure, with heart failure, or those who have suffered a recent heart attack.

Side Effects

Side effects with EXFORGE medications are relatively rare and only occur in a small percentage of patients. The most common side effects seen with EXFORGE medication are peripheral edema (swelling of the legs or arms), nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, and dizziness.

Other less common side effects may include:

• Alopecia
• Bullous dermatitis
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Impaired renal function and renal failure
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing)
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
• Vasculitis
• Vertigo

If you experience dizziness and low blood pressure while taking EXFORGE medication, please consult with your physician as this could mean the dose needs to be decreased. Other side effects may be more serious and should be discussed with your physician right away.

References

1. DailyMed “AMLODIPINE package insert.” Nih.gov. Published 2017. Accessed October 22, 2019.
2. DailyMed. “EXFORGE package insert.” Nih.gov. Published 2019. Accessed October 22, 2019.
3. DailyMed. “VALSARTAN package insert.” Nih.gov. Published 2019. Accessed October 22, 2019.

About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)

Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....