Exforge HCT Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Hypertension

The force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels is called blood pressure. The term unites two pressure readings: systolic pressure (the pressure in blood vessels when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure between beats when the heart is at rest).

High blood pressure (or clinical hypertension) is diagnosed when patients have systolic pressure higher than 130 mmHg and diastolic pressure greater than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure may go undetected for years, though the condition eventually leads to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Patients with high blood pressure are usually prescribed medication and directed to make lifestyle changes to control the problem.

Exforge HCT Active Ingredients

Exforge HCT contains three active ingredients: amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker), valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker), and hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic). These ingredients work together to reduce blood pressure.

Generic Exforge HCT Alternative

Generic alternatives to Exforge HCT are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Exforge HCT and What Is It Used For?

Exforge HCT is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It is a combination medication comprised of three active ingredients – amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide – which help to improve blood flow. Regulating blood pressure levels helps to prevent a number of complications like stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.

Usage and Application

Patients should carefully read the medication guide prescribed by their doctor or pharmacist before sourcing Exforge HCT or its generic alternatives online.

It is important to take Exforge HCT exactly as prescribed. Typically, it is taken by mouth (with or without food) once per day. Dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment.

Exforge HCT increases the need to urinate. Taking the medication before bedtime may mean that the patient will need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least four hours before bedtime.

Patients should take Exforge HCT regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To help remember, it is best to take it at the same time every day.

It may take up to two weeks before patients experience the full benefit of Exforge HCT. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well, especially because hypertension symptoms are not often felt by patients.

Patients who use certain drugs to lower cholesterol should take Exforge HCT at least four hours before (or at least four to six hours after) these medications. Examples include bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine and colestipol.

Contact your doctor if hypertension persists or if your condition worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Exforge HCT

Before starting Exforge HCT treatment, patients should discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to the three active ingredients in this drug. Those who shop for Exforge HCT online, may encounter the medicine under its generic names: amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially related to liver disease, kidney disease, dehydration, and certain heart valve conditions known as aortic/mitral stenosis. Gout and lupus should also be mentioned, in addition to any mineral imbalances (e.g. high calcium levels, low magnesium levels, and high or low potassium levels).

Patients who take Exforge HCT may experience dizziness. Alcohol and marijuana can exacerbate the problem. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until they are in condition to do so safely. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.

Severe sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea can increase the risk of lightheadedness or dehydration. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids in order to prevent dehydration.

Patients with diabetes should note that this product can affect blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to make adjustments to your diabetes medication, exercise program, and/or diet.

Exforge HCT may increase levels of potassium in the body. Discuss the use of potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium with your doctor.

This medication may increase sun sensitivity. Patients should limit exposure to the sun and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. In addition, it is important to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Contact your doctor immediately in the event of any sunburn, skin blisters, and/or redness.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products they are taking.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the negative side effects of Exforge HCT. This is especially the case with symptoms like dizziness and changes in the amount of urine.

Pregnant women should not take Exforge HCT as it can harm a fetus. Speak with your doctor for more details.

Two of the active ingredients in this medication pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Exforge HCT should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Exforge HCT

Drug interactions may change the way Exforge HCT and its generic alternatives work, increasing the risk of side effects. Before beginning treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless advised to do so by their physician.

Some medications – such as the blood pressure medications containing aliskiren (e.g. Tekturna) and the mood stabilizer lithium (e.g. Eskalith) – may interact negatively with Exforge HCT. The list include antiarrhythmic drug dofetilide and cisapride, indicated for the treatment of gastric reflux.

Negative interactions are likely when Exforge HCT is taken together with medicines that are known to increase potassium levels in the blood. Examples include certain high blood pressure medications – like benazepril and lisinopril (e.g. Zestril)– and birth control pills containing drospirenone (e.g. Angeliq).

Some products may contain ingredients that can raise blood pressure. Examples include diet pills and cough-and-cold products which contain NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Patients should discuss the safe use of these products with their doctor or pharmacist.

Exforge HCT may interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing false test results. Inform laboratory personnel and all treating physicians that you take this medicine.

This is not a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult with your physician before buying Exforge HCT or any of its generic alternatives online.

Adverse Reactions

Patients should remember that their doctor has decided to prescribe Exforge HCT as the benefits of this medication are greater than the risks. Most patients use this medication without experiencing serious side effects.

Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache. Such symptoms may be especially pronounced at the start of treatment, as the patient’s body adjusts to the medication. Contact your doctor of pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, patients should get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Some patients may experience dehydration and mineral loss and should monitor for symptoms including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps and/or weakness, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Contact your doctor in the event of such symptoms.

Serious side effects include: fainting, severe tiredness, and swelling of the hands, ankles, and/or feet. It is possible to experience pain in the big toe, as well as joint pain. Patients should monitor changes in urine production, as well as symptoms of high levels of potassium (e.g. muscle weakness and slow or irregular heartbeat). Pay attention to symptoms like fever, chills, and persistent sore throat – all signify possible infection.

Seek immediate medical attention in the event of any eye pain, or decrease in vision.

Patients with severe heart disease face a small risk of worsening chest pain or heart attack after starting Exforge HCT or increasing the dose. Seek urgent medical attention in the event of the following symptoms: worsening chest pain, unusual sweating, shortness of breath, and pain in the chest, jaw, and/or left arm.

Serious allergic reactions to Exforge HCT are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Exforge HCT

Exforge HCT should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to learn more about safe disposal methods.