Precautions and Warnings With Amlodipine and Valsartan

There are many important precautions and warnings with amlodipine and valsartan to be aware of, including possible side effects of the drug and information on who should not take the medicine. For example, the drug may decrease kidney function and lower blood pressure too much. You should not take the medicine if you are allergic to amlodipine, valsartan, or any inactive components of the medication.

 

Amlodipine and Valsartan: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge®) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
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Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Warnings and Precautions for Amlodipine and Valsartan

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking amlodipine and valsartan include the following:
 
  • Amlodipine and valsartan is considered a pregnancy Category C or D medication. This means that it is probably not safe for use during pregnancy. Amlodipine and valsartan can increase the risk of birth defects and other severe problems (see Exforge and Pregnancy).
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  • Amlodipine and valsartan can lower your blood pressure too much. Signs of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. Congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, or surgery can increase your risk of low blood pressure.
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  • If you have liver disease, your body may not metabolize amlodipine and valsartan as well as it should. Therefore, you may require extra monitoring by your healthcare provider and you may need to take a lower amlodipine and valsartan dosage.
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  • Amlodipine and valsartan may decrease kidney function, which is not a problem for most people. However, if you have kidney disease or heart failure, this may cause problems.
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  • If you have severe coronary artery disease, there is a low possibility that taking amlodipine and valsartan may increase your chances of worsening chest pain or heart attack.
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  • Amlodipine and valsartan can interact with a number of other medications (see Drug Interactions With Amlodipine and Valsartan for more information).
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  • It is not known if amlodipine and valsartan passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Exforge and Breastfeeding).
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(Precautions and Warnings With Amlodipine and Valsartan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;