Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet

Reviews How to Use Benefits Uses Side Effects

Product Info

Prescription required	Yes
Marketer	Novartis India Ltd
Active Ingredient	Amlodipine (10mg) + Valsartan (160mg)
Storage	Store below 30°C
Habit Forming	No
Therapeutic Class	CARDIAC
User Rating	4.7
User Reviews	302

FAQ

Which medicine is considered safe for treating high blood pressure?

There are many blood pressure-lowering medicines which can be considered safe. The doctor will advise the exact use of these medicines, keeping various factors such as age, gender, other coexisting diseases, etc. into consideration. Also, the effect of the medicine and response of the patient can vary from person to person. For instance, a person below 55 years of age having no other co-existing disease may be prescribed angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARAs) (e.g., Exforge 10 mg/160 mg, losartan, olmesartan) or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, captopril or enalapril) by the doctor.

What is the most important information I should know about Exforge 10 mg/160 mg?

Taking Exforge 10 mg/160 mg during the last months of pregnancy can cause serious harm or even endanger the unborn baby. Therefore, do not take Exforge 10 mg/160 mg if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Exforge 10 mg/160 mg, stop taking Exforge 10 mg/160 mg and call your doctor immediately.

Can I switch in between the brands of Exforge 10 mg/160 mg, since currently the brand I am using is not available?

No, do not switch to a different Exforge 10 mg/160 mg product unless your doctor says that you should. Since you have to take it daily, keep a stock of it. Each Exforge 10 mg/160 mg product releases the medication differently in your body and cannot be used interchangeably. Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding Exforge 10 mg/160 mg, consult your doctor.

Does Exforge 10 mg/160 mg cause weight gain?

No, Exforge 10 mg/160 mg does not cause weight gain as a side effect. However, if your kidney function deteriorates, your body may swell due to accumulation of water (fluid retention), resulting in weight gain. Inform your doctor if you experience any unexplained weight gain or swelling in your feet, ankles or hands.

How long do I need to take Exforge 10 mg/160 mg?

Continue taking Exforge 10 mg/160 mg as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop taking it even if you start feeling better. You may even have to take it lifelong, since Exforge 10 mg/160 mg does not cure high blood pressure or heart failure but controls them.

How long does it take for Exforge 10 mg/160 mg to start working?

A substantial decrease in blood pressure can be experienced within 2 weeks of starting Exforge 10 mg/160 mg. The medicine may take up to 4 weeks to show its complete effects. Talk to your doctor in case you have any concerns regarding Exforge 10 mg/160 mg, but do not stop taking it without consulting the doctor.

Who should not be given Exforge 10 mg/160 mg?

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg should not be given to patients who are allergic to it, have severe liver disease, have diabetes, or impaired kidney function. Also, its use should be restricted if you are being treated with blood pressure lowering medicine containing Aliskiren. In addition to that, Exforge 10 mg/160 mg should not be used if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you are not sure or have any queries, consult your doctor.

Is Exforge 10 mg/160 mg bad for kidneys?

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg does not generally affect the working of a proper functioning kidney. However, there is limited data to support the safety of patients who have existing severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) and are on dialysis. Hence, Exforge 10 mg/160 mg should be used cautiously in such patients. It should only be used when advised by the doctor.

What if you forget to take Exforge Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Exforge 10 mg/160 mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet Reviews

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg contains two medicines, both of which help to control high blood pressure. It lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This will reduce your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may be taken on an empty stomach or along with food. However, it is better to take it regularly at a fixed time each day, as prescribed by your doctor. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. It’s important to keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. By lowering your blood pressure, it is reducing your risk of heart attack or stroke so do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You can help this medication work better by making a few changes to your lifestyle such as keeping active, stopping smoking, and eating a low salt and low-fat diet.

The most common side effects of this medicine include swelling in your ankles or feet (edema), headache, sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, taste change, and upset stomach. Since it may cause sleepiness and dizziness, do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. Talk to your doctor if any of the side effects bother you or will not go away.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. While using this medicine, your blood pressure will need to be checked often and your kidney function may also need to be tested.

How Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet Works

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg is a combination of two medicines: Amlodipine and Valsartan, which lowers blood pressure effectively. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). They work by relaxing the blood vessels and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.

How to Use Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Benefits of Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet

In Hypertension (high blood pressure): Both of the medicines in this combination work to lower blood pressure but in different ways. Together they help to relax blood vessels and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This lowers blood pressure. If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well.

Uses of Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg Tablet Side Effects

Safety Tips

Pregnancy ^{CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR}

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Driving ^UNSAFE

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver ^CAUTION

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Kidney ^CAUTION

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease.

Alcohol ^UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Exforge 10 mg/160 mg.

Breast feeding ^{SAFE IF PRESCRIBED}

Exforge 10 mg/160 mg is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Quick Tips

It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up. Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
It can cause ankle or foot swelling. Raise your legs while you are sitting down and talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
Do not take Exforge 10 mg/160 mg if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Exforge 10 mg/160 mg is a combination of two medicines that provides better blood pressure control than either medicine alone.
Exforge 10 mg/160 mg may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Avoid consuming alcohol as it may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine.