Warnings

Amlodipine-Valsartan

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Mar 24, 2025

Warnings

Amlodipine Valsartan (Exforge) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Amlodipine valsartan can cause or worsen health problems in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the potential risks. Discuss other treatment options for high blood pressure if you are at an increased risk of adverse reactions from this combination antihypertensive therapy.

FETAL TOXICITY: Amlodipine valsartan can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if it is taken during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. These drugs affect the renin-angiotensin system and can lead to oligohydramnios (decreased amniotic fluid volume), which can cause kidney problems such as decreased kidney function, anuria (no urine formation), and kidney failure in the baby. Other complications include underdevelopment of the lungs and skeletal deformities. Before starting amlodipine valsartan, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Use appropriate birth control while on this medicine. Stop taking Exforge and call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on this drug. Do not nurse an infant on breast milk while taking amlodipine and valsartan.
HYPOTENSION (LOW BLOOD PRESSURE): Exforge treatment can result in low blood pressure (hypotension) in patients who are volume- and/or salt-depleted with an activated renin-angiotensin system. For example, patients who are on high doses of diuretics (water pills). This is more likely to occur in patients who have heart problems (heart failure or recent heart attack).
Amlodipine can cause gradual-onset hypotension, especially in people with severe aortic stenosis. However, this drug is unlikely to cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Your doctor will monitor you carefully when you first start treatment with Exforge (amlodipine valsartan) and after they increase the dose. If you develop signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, lie down in a supine position. You may need to be treated with intravenous saline. The medicine can usually be continued once your blood pressure stabilizes.
HEART PROBLEMS: Some people, especially those with severe coronary artery disease, can develop worsening angina (increased severity, frequency, or duration of chest pain) or acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) after starting a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine or after a dose increase. Seek emergency medical care if you develop worsening chest pain or chest pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching, cold sweat, tiredness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION: Amlodipine valsartan can affect the kidneys and cause changes in kidney function, including acute renal failure. The likelihood of this happening is higher in certain high-risk individuals, such as people with volume depletion, severe congestive heart failure, renal artery stenosis, or chronic kidney disease. It occurs due to inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This can result in oliguria (low urine output) or progressive azotemia (excess nitrogen and creatinine in the blood). Rarely, it can cause acute renal failure and even death.
Keep all your medical and laboratory appointments while on amlodipine valsartan. Your doctor will monitor kidney function and may discontinue treatment if you develop a decrease in kidney function while on this drug. Tell your doctor without delay if you develop any urinary symptoms.
HYPERKALEMIA (HIGH POTASSIUM LEVELS): Drugs that are inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system can cause hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium levels). Your doctor will monitor serum electrolytes periodically while you are on this blood pressure-lowering medication.

Precautions Before Starting Amlodipine Valsartan (Exforge)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had allergic reactions to amlodipine, valsartan, any of the active or inactive ingredients in amlodipine valsartan tablets, other calcium channel blockers, other angiotensin II receptor blockers, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your other medicines, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. This can help avoid drug interactions between your medications.

Give your healthcare professional a complete medical history. Amlodipine and valsartan may not be safe for people with other medical problems such as heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, bile duct blockage, or gallbladder problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or plan to get pregnant soon. Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Precautions During Use of Amlodipine Valsartan (Exforge)

Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on amlodipine valsartan. Your healthcare provider may start you on a low dose and increase the dose based on blood pressure control and side effects. They will also order blood tests to check kidney function and electrolyte levels periodically.

Keep a log of your blood pressure readings at home and bring it to your healthcare appointments. Your doctor will adjust the dose of amlodipine and valsartan based on your response to the medicine.

Amlodipine valsartan can cause dizziness and lightheadedness when you get up from a sitting or lying position, especially when you first start treatment and after a dose increase. To prevent falls, get out of bed slowly and keep your feet on the ground for a few minutes before standing up.

Amlodipine valsartan can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Be careful while driving and doing other potentially hazardous activities like operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with amlodipine and valsartan. Call your doctor if you develop vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or inability to drink enough fluids (the resultant dehydration can cause a drop in blood pressure). Tell your doctor if you develop dizziness, weakness, or low blood pressure. If fainting occurs, stop taking Exforge and consult your doctor.

Amlodipine valsartan can help control blood pressure but does not cure the underlying condition. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well and your blood pressure is well controlled. Stopping it suddenly can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Tell all your healthcare providers you are on amlodipine and valsartan before any surgery or medical tests, including dental procedures.

Amlodipine Valsartan (Exforge) Drug Interactions

Certain medicines can affect how the combination of amlodipine valsartan works. Possible interactions with other drugs can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes (high blood glucose) and are taking a medicine called aliskiren (brand names: Tekamlo, Tekturna, Tekturna HCT, in Amturnide). You should not take valsartan if you have diabetes and are on aliskiren.

The following medications can also have interactions with amlodipine and/or valsartan:

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve)
Potassium supplements
Potassium-containing salt substitutes

The above list may not describe all the potential interactions of amlodipine and valsartan. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

Find the best discount on Amlodipine-Valsartan »