Exforge is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure. It contains a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) to relax muscles in the heart and blood vessels, and an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (valsartan) that keeps blood vessels from narrowing.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Exforge exactly as prescribed.

• Take with or without food.
• High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Keep using Exforge even if you feel well.
• Use alongside diet and lifestyle modifications to help lower blood pressure.

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you have diabetes, don’t take Exforge with medication that contains aliskiren (Tekturna, Tekamlo).

Avoid salt substitutes and potassium supplements while taking Exforge.

Before taking Exforge, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart problems or a heart attack
• Low-salt diet

Exforge interacts with other drugs, espeically lithium, diuretics, potassium supplements, cholesterol medication, antibiotics, antifungals, NSAIDs, cyclosporine, other heart and blood pressure medications.

Common side effects of Exforge include:

• Dizziness
• Swelling in hands and feet
• Cold symptoms

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Feeling light-headed or passing out
• Signs of electrolyte imbalance – thirst, dry mouth, confusion, drowsiness, restlessness, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, lack of energy, seizures, producing little or no urine

What foods should I avoid while taking Exforge?

Alcohol may increase side effects like dizziness. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes to help further lower your blood pressure.