Amlodipine/ValsartanAmlodipine / Valsartan

About Amlodipine/Valsartan

Amlodipine relaxes artery walls by blocking calcium channels, and valsartan blocks the receptor for angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt. In trials the combination lowered blood pressure more than either drug alone. The label allows it as a first treatment when more than one drug is likely to be needed, for people not controlled on one drug, and in place of the same doses taken as separate tablets.

Ankle and foot swelling, which comes from the amlodipine and rises with its dose, is the most common side effect; a stuffy or sore nose and throat and dizziness are others. Low blood pressure is more likely in people low in salt or fluid or on high-dose diuretics. Potassium and kidney function are checked. Rarely, angina worsens or a heart attack occurs after amlodipine is started or increased, mainly in severe coronary artery disease.

The boxed warning is about pregnancy: it can injure or kill a developing baby, so it is stopped as soon as pregnancy is detected. The label advises against breastfeeding on it, and it is not combined with aliskiren in people with diabetes. Most of the effect appears within two weeks of starting or changing the dose.

Taking Amlodipine/Valsartan

How to take it

Once a day, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop without talking to your prescriber.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.

Storage

At room temperature, kept dry and protected from moisture, in the container it came in and out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium too high, anti-inflammatories can harm the kidneys, and it raises lithium levels. The amlodipine limits simvastatin to 20 mg a day, CYP3A4 blockers such as some antifungals raise amlodipine levels, and cyclosporine and tacrolimus levels are monitored. Do not take it with other valsartan products or with Entresto, which already contains valsartan.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Amlodipine/Valsartan differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Amlodipine and valsartan are each made by many manufacturers and cost pharmacies little as single tablets. The combination has fewer makers and tends to cost pharmacies more, so its quotes vary more. Two prescriptions carry two dispensing fees and the combination one, so which is cheaper depends on the pharmacy, and since the combination holds standard doses of both drugs, getting quotes both ways is a fair comparison.

Ways to pay less for Amlodipine/Valsartan without insurance

• Ask for quotes on the combination tablet and on the two separate generics at the same doses.
• If the separate tablets cost less, ask the prescriber whether two prescriptions would suit you.
• If the prescription names Exforge, ask the prescriber to allow generic substitution, and ask for a ninety-day supply once the dose is stable.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Amlodipine/Valsartan

1. 1.Is the combination cheaper here than the two tablets separately?
2. 2.What should I do about ankle swelling?
3. 3.Should I avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes?
4. 4.Does it interact with my cholesterol medicine?
5. 5.When will my potassium and kidney function be checked?

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