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Brand Names: Exforge

Generic Name: amlodipine and valsartan (Pronunciation: am LOE de peen val SAR tan)

• 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 is amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?

Amlodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.

Valsartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

The combination of amlodipine and valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication is usually given after others have been tried without successful treatment of hypertension.

Amlodipine and valsartan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, amlodipine and valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
• dry mouth, loss of appetite;
• joint pain; or
• anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Valsartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking amlodipine and valsartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Call your doctor at once if you have swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain, fast or pounding heartbeats, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, or if you feel like you might pass out.

In rare cases, amlodipine and valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.