EXFORGE (AMLODIPINE/VALSARTAN)

Description of Exforge

Whether you are newly diagnosed with hypertension or you have tried other medications that just do not lower your blood pressure enough, your doctor may recommend a prescription for Exforge that contains two medications, Amlodipine/Valsartan. Hypertension is basically symptomless so countless people are not even aware of their increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Annual doctor exams are usually how most people are diagnosed and they are shocked or surprised as they had no clue.

How the Active Ingredients Work to Lower Your BP

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker or CCB. As calcium is important in supporting muscle contractions, a calcium channel blocker is required to block its action in order to relax the muscles that surround your arteries and allow a better blood flow. This will help reduce the work load placed on your heart as it can stop straining to pump blood around your body.

Valsartan is known as an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin is a chemical formed in your blood that attaches to angiotensin receptors found primarily on the smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels. This attachment causes your blood vessels to narrow, increasing your blood pressure. Valsartan blocks the action of angiotensin so your blood vessels dilate and pump blood easier.

Conditions Treated by Exforge

Hypertension has become a global health crisis that has contributed to millions of fatalities every year. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood when you have hypertension, and this can cause damage to your blood vessels. See your physician regularly and keep your blood pressure in check with a prescription for Exforge and a change of lifestyle. You can help by improving your eating habits, stop smoking, consume less alcohol, and become more active, lose weight, and live longer and happier.

Before You Take Exforge

Discuss other medical conditions you have such as diabetes, angina, and liver or kidney disease so your doctor can decide if Exforge is the right treatment drug for you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding before you start taking Exforge to be certain it is not harmful to your unborn or nursing baby.

What You Should Know About Taking Exforge

Other medications may cause unwanted side effects, so be certain to advise your doctor of all prescription and over the counter drugs you are taking, as well as herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. Keep all medications out of children’s reach and never share them with anyone. Exforge may make you dizzy. You should not drive, use machinery, or take part in any activity that requires you to be alert until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Possible Side Effects of Exforge

• Tingling of your hands or feet
• Swelling of your face or extremities
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Tiredness

More serious symptoms such as swelling or rapid weight gain or a fast pounding heart should be brought to the attention of a health care professional.