Exforge Uses

Exforge is licensed for treating high blood pressure in adults. The medication helps to control blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, which improves blood flow. Although Exforge does not cure high blood pressure, it can decrease the chance of developing health problems associated with long-term high blood pressure (such as a stroke or heart disease). There are currently no universally accepted off-label Exforge uses.

 

What Is Exforge Used For?

 Exforge® (amlodipine and valsartan) is a prescription medication approved for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Exforge contains two medications, valsartan (Diovan®) and amlodipine (Norvasc®).
 
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
High blood pressure treatment (including blood pressure medication) can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, medications cannot cure high blood pressure. Exercise and diet are also important for controlling high blood pressure (see High Blood Pressure Diet and Exercise and High Blood Pressure for more information).
 
As a combination medication, Exforge was initially approved only as treatment for people who had not responded adequately to just a single blood pressure medication. However, Exforge is now approved to be a first-line medication to treat high blood pressure that is unlikely to respond to just a single medication. For instance, Exforge is a good choice for people with very high blood pressure, since a single medication is not likely to lower blood pressure enough.
 
(Exforge Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;