5/160/12.5, 5/160/25, 10/160/12.5, 10/160/25, 10/320/25
amlodipine besylate / valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Exforge HCT.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
The information in this leaflet was last updated on the date listed on the final page. More recent information on the medicine may be available.
You should ensure that you speak to your pharmacist or doctor to obtain the most up to date information on the medicine. You can also download the most up to date leaflet from www.novartis.com.au.
Those updates may contain important information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Exforge HCT is used for
Exforge HCT is used to control high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
Everybody has blood pressure. This pressure helps get your blood all around your body. Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day, depending on how busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.
High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and blood vessels. If it continues for a long time, it can damage the blood vessels in the brain, heart and kidneys. This can lead to stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks. Lowering your blood pressure reduces the chance of these disorders happening.
Exforge HCT contains amlodipine besylate, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. These medicines reduce blood pressure in three different ways.
1. Amlodipine besylate blocks the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, they relax blood vessels and increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.
2. Valsartan blocks the effect of angiotensin II, which is a substance in the body that tightens blood vessels and makes your blood pressure rise. When the effect of angiotensin II is blocked, your blood vessels relax and your blood pressure goes down.
3. Hydrochlorothiazide helps reduce the amount of excess fluid in the body by increasing the amount of urine produced. This helps lower your blood pressure.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another purpose.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of Exforge HCT in children.
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription. It is not addictive.
Before you take Exforge HCT
When you must not take it
Do not take Exforge HCT if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking:
amlodipine besylate, valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide (the active ingredients in Exforge HCT)
medicines belonging to a group of chemicals called dihydropyridines, used to treat blood pressure and other heart problems
medicines belonging to a group of chemicals called sulfonamide-derived (such as some antibiotics eg. Bactrim trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole)
any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not take Exforge HCT if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Exforge HCT is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Like other similar medicines, it could affect your unborn baby.
Do not take Exforge HCT if you have any of the following medical conditions:
severe kidney disease or are having dialysis
severe liver disease including biliary cirrhosis
cholestasis, which is reduced or stopped bile flow
anuria, which is a condition where you are unable to urinate
high uric acid levels in the blood, which may cause gout
low level of potassium or sodium, or high level of calcium in your blood.
Check with your doctor if you are unsure if you have any of the above conditions.
Do not take Exforge HCT if you are also taking other blood pressure medicines containing aliskiren and have type 2 diabetes.
Do not take Exforge HCT after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
In that case, return it to your pharmacist.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have/have had any of the following health problems/medical conditions:
kidney problems or received a kidney transplant
liver problems
systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys
heart problems, including obstructed blood flow from narrowing of valves (stenosis) or enlarged septum (HOCM)
swelling, mainly of the face and throat, while taking other medicines (including an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren)
a hormone disorder causing fluid retention known as primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)
passing less urine than is normal for you or difficulty passing urine
salt restricted diet
suffering from several episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea.
Your doctor may want to take special precautions if you have any of the above conditions.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Exforge HCT in this case.
Hydrochlorothiazide is known to pass into the breast milk, however it is not known if amlodipine or valsartan, the other active ingredients of Exforge HCT, pass into the breast milk and could affect your baby. Therefore, Exforge HCT is not recommended if you are breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Your doctor will want to know if you are prone to allergies.
If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell him/her before you take Exforge HCT.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Exforge HCT may interfere with each other. These include:
medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions including fluid tablets or diuretic medicines, ACE-inhibitors, aliskiren and beta blockers
simvastatin (a medicine used to help lower cholesterol levels), since the dose may have to be reduced when taken with Exforge HCT
intravenous dantrolene used to treat malignant hyperthermia
some antibiotics (rifampicin), anti-rejection drugs (cyclosporin), antiretrovirals (ritonavir) which may increase the effect of valsartan
tablets, preparations or supplements which increase the potassium levels in your blood (such as certain types of diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes etc)
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (Cox-2 inhibitors), medicines used to relieve swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis (Your doctor may also check your kidney function)
medicines or supplements containing calcium
vitamin D
medicines used to relax muscles before or during surgery
steroid medicines such as cortisone, prednisone and ACTH
lithium, antidepressants, antipsychotics, medicines used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
cyclophosphamide or methotrexate
penicillin
amphotericin, a medicine used to treat fungal infections
insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
medicines used to treat gout
cyclosporine
carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant and mood stabilising drug used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder
digoxin or other digitalis glycosides (medicines used to treat heart problems)
antiarrhythmics (medicines used to treat heart problems)
medicines used for oesophageal ulceration and inflammation
amantadine, and anti-Parkinson therapy also used to treat or prevent certain illnesses caused by viruses
cytotoxic drugs used in cancer therapy
medicine used to treat gastrointestinal cramps, urinary bladder spasm, asthma, motion sickness, muscular spasms, Parkinson's disease and as aid to anaesthesia from a class called anticholinergic agents
cholestyramine, colestipol, and other resins (medicines used mainly to treat high levels of lipids in the blood)
pressor amines, such as noradrenaline (substances that raise blood pressure)
barbiturates, narcotics (medicines with sleep-inducing properties) and alcohol.
radioactive iodine, used as a medical tracer or diagnosis
Your doctor and pharmacist have a more complete list of medicines to be careful of while taking Exforge HCT.
How to take Exforge HCT
Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist.
These instructions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day. The usual dose is one tablet a day.
When to take it
Take your Exforge HCT dose at the same time each day.
This also helps you remember to take it, especially if you take it as part of your usual routine (e.g. at breakfast time). This medicine will keep working for the whole 24 hours until the next dose is due.
How to take it
Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
Always take Exforge HCT in the same way, with or without food.
You can take it with or without food but it will work best if you always take it in the same way every day.
How long to take it
Take this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop even if you feel quite well.
People who have high blood pressure often feel well and do not notice any signs of this problem.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take the dose as soon as you remember and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the one that you missed.
This may increase the chance of side effects.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (Overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone number: 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Exforge. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Keep the telephone numbers for these places handy.
Too much Exforge HCT may make you feel dizzy, light headed or faint. You may experience rapid, shallow breathing or cold, clammy skin. Your heartbeat may be faster than usual. This is because your blood pressure is too low.
While you are taking Exforge HCT
Things you must do
If you become pregnant while taking Exforge HCT, tell your doctor immediately.
You should not take this medicine while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Otherwise your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.
Be sure to keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked. Do this even if you feel well.
People with high blood pressure often do not notice any signs of this problem. But it is important to keep track of your progress. Your doctor will want to check your blood pressure and your kidney and liver function from time to time.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor and anaesthetist that you are taking Exforge HCT.
Exforge HCT may affect some medicines you receive during surgery.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Exforge HCT.
Tell any other doctor, dentist or pharmacist who treats you that you are taking Exforge HCT.
Things you must not do
Do not use Exforge HCT to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says you can.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their condition seems to be similar to yours.
Things to be careful of
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
Grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of some medicines, including amlodipine.
Be careful driving, operating machinery or doing jobs that require you to be alert while you are taking Exforge HCT until you know how it affects you.
This medicine can cause tiredness, sleepiness or dizziness in some people. If you have these symptoms, do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous.
If this medicine makes you feel dizzy or light-headed, be careful when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Dizziness can usually be prevented by getting up slowly and flexing leg muscles and toes to get the blood flowing. When getting out of bed, dangle your legs over the side for a minute or two before standing up.
When you are outdoors, wear protective clothing and use at least a 15+ sunscreen. Do not use a sunlamp.
This medicine may cause your skin to be much more sensitive to sunlight than it normally is.
Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn. If your skin does appear to be burning, tell your doctor.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Exforge HCT, even if you do not think it is connected with the medicine.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of these side effects and they worry you:
headache
buzzing, whistling, ringing or other persistent noise in the ears
dizziness, spinning sensation, changes in vision, uncoordinated movements
dizziness on standing up, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position
sleepiness, tiredness, weakness or difficulty sleeping
pain in the back or joints
muscle pain, muscle tenderness or weakness, cramps
runny nose or congested sinuses
dry cough, sore throat or hoarse voice
dry mouth
bleeding, tender or enlarged gums
indigestion, loss of appetite, stomach upset, pain, diarrhoea, constipation or wind
nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
tingling or numbness in hands or feet
rash, redness, blistering or peeling of skin, itching
excessive sweating
feeling anxious or sad
problems with sexual function
breast enlargement in men
unusual hair loss or thinning
pain when passing urine, passing more urine than normal or frequent urge to urinate
redness and warm feeling of the face and/or neck
swelling of the ankles, feet, face or hands
flushing
palpitations
unusual tiredness or weakness
weight gain
feeling nervous, depressed or moody
distorted sense of taste
sensitivity to light
symptoms of sunburn which happens more quickly than normal
facial pain
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing
feeling of fast or irregular heart beat (pounding, racing, skipping beats)
chest pain
tiredness or lack of energy, being short of breath when exercising
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
constant "flu-like" symptoms such as chills, fever, sore throat, aching joints, sores in mouth, swollen glands
severe dizziness or fainting
stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark coloured urine
signs of a serious skin reaction such as painful red areas, large blisters, peeling of layers of skin, bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose or genitals. These signs may be accompanied by fever and chills, aching muscles and feeling generally unwell
unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin
passing less urine than normal
decrease in vision or pain in your eyes due to high pressure
The above list includes serious side effects which may require medical attention. These side effects do not occur frequently.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After using Exforge HCT
Storage
Keep your tablets in the original container until it is time to take them.
Store them in a cool dry place below 30°C (room temperature).
Do not store Exforge HCT or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave Exforge HCT in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Exforge HCT will keep well if it is cool and dry.
Keep medicines where children cannot reach them.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Exforge HCT, or it has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets that are left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Exforge HCT 5/160/12.5 (5 mg amlodipine, 160 mg valsartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are white, ovaloid, biconvex with bevelled edge and imprinted with NVR on one side and VCL on the other. Packs of 7's and 28's.
Exforge HCT 10/160/12.5 (10 mg amlodipine, 160 mg valsartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are pale yellow, ovaloid, biconvex with bevelled edge and imprinted with NVR on one side and VDL on the other. Packs of 7's and 28's.
Exforge HCT 5/160/25 (5 mg amlodipine, 160 mg valsartan and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are yellow, ovaloid, biconvex with bevelled edge and imprinted with NVR on one side and VEL on the other. Packs of 7's and 28's.
Exforge HCT 10/160/25 (10 mg amlodipine, 160 mg valsartan and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are brown yellow, ovaloid, biconvex with bevelled edge and imprinted with NVR on one side and VHL on the other. Packs of 7's and 28's.
Exforge HCT 10/320/25 (10 mg amlodipine, 320 mg valsartan and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are brown yellow, ovaloid, biconvex with bevelled edge and imprinted with NVR on one side and VFL on the other. Packs of 7's and 28's.
Ingredients
Exforge HCT tablets contain amlodipine besylate (5 mg or 10 mg), valsartan (160 mg or 320 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg or 25 mg) as the active ingredients.
The tablets contain the following non active ingredients:
cellulose - microcrystalline
crospovidone
silica - colloidal anhydrous
magnesium stearate
hypromellose
macrogol 4000
talc - purified
Exforge HCT 5/160/12.5 tablets also contain:
titanium dioxide
Exforge HCT 5/160/25 and also contain:
titanium dioxide
iron oxide yellow
Exforge HCT 10/160/12.5 tablets also contain:
titanium dioxide
iron oxide yellow
iron oxide red
Exforge HCT 10/160/25 and 10/320/25 tablets also contain:
iron oxide yellow
