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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).

To make sure you can safely take amlodipine and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• 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 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 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. Do not use amlodipine and valsartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication 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 medication.

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.

How should I take amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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

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

Amlodipine and valsartan may be taken with or without food.

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). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

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 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.

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