Exforge Warnings and Precautions

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease before taking Exforge. Warnings and precautions also include watching for signs of low blood pressure, being aware of possible drug interactions, and possibly avoiding the drug if you are pregnant. You shouldn't take Exforge if you are allergic to any active or inactive components of the medication.

 

Exforge: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Exforge® (amlodipine and valsartan) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Exforge Warnings and Precautions

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Exforge include the following:
 
 
  • Exforge is considered a pregnancy Category C or D medication. This means that it is probably not safe for use during pregnancy. Exforge can increase the risk of birth defects and other severe problems (see Exforge and Pregnancy).
     
  • Exforge can lower your blood pressure too much. Signs of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. Congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, or surgery can increase your risk of low blood pressure.
     
  • If you have liver disease, your body may not metabolize Exforge as well as it should. Therefore, you may require extra monitoring by your healthcare provider and you may need to take a lower Exforge dosage.
     
  • Exforge may decrease kidney function, which is not a problem for most people. However, if you have kidney disease or heart failure, this may cause problems.
     
  • If you have severe coronary artery disease, there is a low possibility that taking Exforge may increase your chances of worsening chest pain or heart attack.
     
  • Exforge can interact with a number of other medications (see Exforge Drug Interactions for more information).
     
  • It is not known if Exforge passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Exforge and Breastfeeding).
     
(Exforge Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;