Exforge HCT (Amlodipine/Valsartan/Hydrochlorthiazide)

Do’s

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before starting Exforge HCT and each time you get a refill. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• The dosage of Exforge HCT is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for you.
• Take Exforge HCT by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• If you take this medication too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Keep taking it even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine, colestipol), take Exforge HCT at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Stuffy nose
• Sinus pain
• Sore throat
• Back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Swelling in hands, ankles, or feet 

Serious Side Effects:

• Eye problems that may lead to vision loss
• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing
• Kidney problems, indicated by little or no urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Low magnesium level, leading to dizziness, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough, or choking feeling
• Low sodium level, causing headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, and feeling unsteady 

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and other effects may occur. If you experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away, inform your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.

You should not take Exforge HCT if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or if you are unable to urinate.

If you have diabetes, do not use Exforge HCT together with any medication that contains aliskiren, a blood pressure medicine.

Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, electrolyte imbalances, or high blood levels of calcium should inform their healthcare provider before taking Exforge HCT.

Exforge HCT should not be used during pregnancy, and if you become pregnant while using this medication, you should stop its use and inform your healthcare provider immediately.

The potential transfer of valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, and amlodipine into breast milk should be considered, and consulting a healthcare provider before breastfeeding is recommended.

Individuals with kidney disease may need to avoid taking Exforge HCT with aliskiren, and discuss this with a healthcare provider.

Close monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and electrolytes is advised for patients on Exforge HCT and other agents that affect these parameters. 

The information provided here is not exhaustive, and individuals considering or using Exforge HCT should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.