Exforge

Exforge is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. As a combination medication, it works by relaxing the blood vessels to improve blood flow. Exforge comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once a day. Although most people have no problems with the drug, side effects are possible. Common ones include dizziness, water retention, and sore throat.

 

What Is Exforge?

Exforge® (amlodipine and valsartan) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is a combination medication, containing amlodipine (Norvasc®) and valsartan (Diovan®).
 
(Click Exforge Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Exforge is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Exforge Work?

Exforge contains two medications: amlodipine and valsartan. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the walls of the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
 
Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking angiotensin II, valsartan helps to relax the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
 

Effects of Exforge

Exforge has been studied in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.
 In these studies, the medication lowered blood pressure more than when either amlodipine or valsartan were used alone.
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Exforge include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
     
  • Exforge can be taken with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Take your dosage at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Exforge will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Exforge your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to the drug
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Exforge Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Exforge

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Exforge. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Water retention, particularly in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • A sore throat and an irritated, stuffy, or runny nose
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
  • Dizziness.
     
(Click Exforge Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects:
 

Drug Interactions

Exforge can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Exforge Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Exforge?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Exforge Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Exforge may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A fast heart rate (tachycardia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Loss of consciousness.
     
If you happen to overdose on this drug, seek immediate medical attention (see Exforge Overdose).
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Exforge as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Exforge tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • Exforge 5/160 mg -- containing 5 mg of amlodipine and 160 mg of valsartan
  • Exforge 10/160 -- containing 10 mg of amlodipine and 160 mg of valsartan
  • Exforge 5/320 mg -- containing 5 mg of amlodipine and 320 mg of valsartan
  • Exforge 10/320 mg -- containing 10 mg of amlodipine and 320 mg of valsartan.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Exforge?

Currently, there is no generic version of Exforge licensed for sale (see Generic Exforge).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;