amlodipine and valsartan

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Pronunciation: am LOE de peen val SAR tan

Brand: Exforge

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

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using amlodipine and valsartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and valsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

What is amlodipine and valsartan?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

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

Amlodipine and valsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

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

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and valsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

You may also need to avoid taking amlodipine and valsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure amlodipine and valsartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

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

If you are also taking a beta-blocker (such as Betapace, Coreg, Corgard, Dutoprol, Inderal, InnoPran, Lopressor, Normodyne, Tenormin, Tenoretic, Toprol, Trandate, 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 medicine completely. Stopping a beta blocker too quickly can cause serious heart problems that will not be prevented by amlodipine and valsartan.

Do not use amlodipine and valsartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking this medicine.

It is not known whether amlodipine and valsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking amlodipine and valsartan.

Amlodipine and valsartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take amlodipine and valsartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

Amlodipine and valsartan may be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills).

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amlodipine and valsartan.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and valsartan?

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.

What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and valsartan?

Get emergency medical help if you have 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 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed 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.

Common side effects may include:

  • dizziness, spinning sensation; or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect amlodipine and valsartan?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with amlodipine and valsartan, especially:

  • any other blood pressure medicines;
  • cyclosporine;
  • lithium;
  • ritonavir;
  • a diuretic or "water pill";
  • heart medication;
  • vitamin or mineral supplements that contain potassium;
  • an antibiotic --clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifapentine, rifampin, telithromycin;
  • antifungal medicine --itraconazole, ketoconazole;
  • cholesterol-lowering medicines --simvastatin, Zocor, and others;
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amlodipine and valsartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine and valsartan.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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