Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan)

Description

Exforge combines two blood pressure medicines in one tablet. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which relaxes and widens blood vessels. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, which blocks the action of a hormone that narrows them. The combination is licensed for essential high blood pressure in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by amlodipine or valsartan taken alone.

One tablet is taken once daily, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Swelling of the ankles, flushing, headache and dizziness are recognised effects, and the dizziness is most likely when you first start or after a dose increase. Your prescriber will check your kidney function and blood salts with a blood test, and will ask about potassium supplements and salt substitutes.

This medicine must not be taken in pregnancy, so tell your prescriber straight away if you become pregnant or are planning to.

• Calcium channel blocker combined with an angiotensin II receptor blocker
• For essential high blood pressure not controlled on one medicine alone
• Available in two strengths, taken as one tablet once daily
• Ankle swelling, headache and dizziness are recognised effects
• Blood tests check kidney function and blood salts
• Not for use in pregnancy; tell your prescriber if you may be pregnant