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In this Article

• What is amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• How should I take amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Exforge)?
• What happens if I overdose (Exforge)?
• What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• What other drugs will affect amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or valsartan (Diovan).

Before using amlodipine and valsartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• angina (chest pain), severe coronary artery disease;
• if you are vomiting or having diarrhea; or
• if you have recently had a heart attack.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use amlodipine and valsartan, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

If you are also taking a beta-blocker drug (such as Blocadren, Corgard, Inderal, Normodyne, Tenormin, Toprol, Trandate, Zibeta, and others) do not suddenly stop using the beta-blocker without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping a beta-blocker too quickly can cause serious heart problems that will not be prevented by amlodipine and valsartan.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Valsartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use amlodipine and valsartan without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether amlodipine and valsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to undergo kidney dialysis or have any type of surgery, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using amlodipine and valsartan.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store amlodipine and valsartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.