Side Effects of Exforge Medicine

Exforge is a combination drug containing amlodipine, a calcium-channel blocker, and valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker. Manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the medication is prescribed in tablet form as a treatment for high blood pressure. It is mainly designed for people who are not responding sufficiently to treatment with an individual drug. Exforge has numerous possible side effects, but most are uncommon.

Function

Exforge is usually prescribed either for people whose blood pressure is not effectively controlled on one medication, or as initial therapy for people whose blood pressure is dangerously high. It is available in varying strengths so physicians can begin by prescribing the lowest dose and then re-evaluate the situation.

Most Common Effects

In clinical trials, the most common side effect of Exforge medication was peripheral edema, a swelling of the hands, legs, ankles and feet caused by fluid retention. Over 5 percent of people in the trials experienced this effect. Other side effects occurring in over 2 percent of patients included nasal inflammation, upper respiratory tract infection, and dizziness.

Warning

Pregnant women should not take Exforge because it can harm and may even be fatal to the unborn baby. Anyone who becomes pregnant while taking Exforge should discontinue the medication immediately and tell her physician. The United States Food and Drug Administration requires a black box warning label on Exforge for this reason.

Additional Side Effects

Exforge can cause blood pressure to drop too low, indicated by symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. Additionally, Exforge can increase potassium blood levels, which may cause problems for people prone to high potassium because of other medical conditions, such as kidney disease. This also is a consideration for people taking other medications which can cause high potassium levels. People using salt substitutes are more at risk as well, because these products often contain potassium.

Rare Side Effects

Rare side effects of Exforge medicine include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, weight gain, anxiety, and high blood sugar. Some people have experienced an allergic reaction, with symptoms of rash or hives and facial swelling. Additionally, Exforge has been associated with depression. Because less than 2 percent of patients have reported this effect, it has been difficult for researchers to determine if the two are actually linked, but anyone with feelings of depression while taking Exforge should mention it to the physician.