Benefits

• Exforge is a combination drug of Amlodipine besylate (a calcium channel blocker) and valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker). It is indicated (and FDA approved) for the treatment of hypertension and is commonly used as the initial drug therapy for patients who need multiple drugs to achieve their blood pressure goals. Exforge allows patients only to take one pill daily instead of having to take multiple pills.
  
  

Dosage

• Exforge should be taken exactly as your doctor prescribed it. You should not take this medication in larger amounts or for a longer amount of time than instructed by your physician. Exforge may be taken with or without food; if it causes nausea, try taking with food to offset the nausea. If you miss a dosage, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dosage, do not take the missed dose.
  
  

Identification

• Exforge is available in the following tablet dosages: 5/160 mg (dark yellow); 10/160 mg (light yellow); 5/320 mg (very dark yellow); and 10/320 mg (dark yellow). Each tablet is ovaloid-shaped film-coated with a beveled edge. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation distributes Exforge. Keep Exforge dry and store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F).
  
  

Precautions

• Before taking Exforge, speak with your doctor if you suffer from any of the following conditions: kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, vomiting or diarrhea. You should also inform your doctor if you take other medicines for high blood pressure or a heart problem, take a salt substitute, take water pills or take a potassium supplement.
  
  

Warning

• All prescription drugs have many reported side effects you should be aware of before taking. Contact your doctor and stop taking Exforge immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: low blood pressure (hypotension); more chest pain (angina); and kidney problems. Some less serious side effects that may occur are nasal congestion, sore throat and discomfort when swallowing; swelling (edema) of the hands, ankles or feet; dizziness; or upper respiratory tract infection (head or chest cold).