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amlodipine and valsartan
amlodipine and valsartan
What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and valsartan?
What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and valsartan?
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.
If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and valsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
What is amlodipine and valsartan?
What is amlodipine and valsartan?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.
Amlodipine and valsartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Amlodipine and valsartan is usually given after other blood pressure medicines have been tried without success.
Amlodipine and valsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and valsartan?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and valsartan?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or valsartan (Diovan).
If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine and valsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking amlodipine and valsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- a heart attack;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- if you are on a low-salt diet.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Amlodipine and valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Amlodipine and valsartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take amlodipine and valsartan?
How should I take amlodipine and valsartan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take this medication with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amlodipine and valsartan.
It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to control your blood pressure. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Blood pressure medication is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, regular blood pressure checks, lifestyle changes, and other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and valsartan?
What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and valsartan?
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and valsartan?
What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and valsartan?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain; or
- high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.
Common side effects include:
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- dizziness; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect amlodipine and valsartan?
What other drugs will affect amlodipine and valsartan?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect amlodipine and valsartan, especially:
- cyclosporine;
- lithium;
- simvastatin or other cholesterol medication;
- an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
- heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic ("water pill"); or
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect amlodipine and valsartan. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine and valsartan.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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