Uses:
This product is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes heart attacks and kidney problems.
This product contains 3 medications: amlodipine valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). They both work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is called a "water pill" (diuretic) and causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water by making more urine.
Side Effects:
Dizziness lightheadedness or headache may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss including: extreme thirst very dry mouth muscle cramps/weakness fast/slow/irregular heartbeat confusion.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects including: fainting severe tiredness big toe/joint pain swelling hands/ankles/feet symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness slow/irregular heartbeat) signs of infection (such as fever chills persistent sore throat) signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects including: decrease in vision eye pain.
Some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience: worsening chest pain symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain shortness of breath unusual sweating).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including: rash itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) severe dizziness trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pre-Cautions:
Before taking this product tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history especially of: kidney disease liver disease loss of too much body water and minerals (dehydration) untreated mineral imbalance (such as high/low potassium low magnesium high calcium) gout lupus certain heart valve conditions (aortic or mitral stenosis) skin cancer.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive use machinery or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Severe sweating diarrhea or vomiting can increase the risk for lightheadedness or a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. To prevent dehydration drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
If you have diabetes this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication exercise program or diet.
This product may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. It may also increase your risk for skin cancer especially if you take it for a long time. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned have skin blisters/redness or notice new or changed moles/skin lesions.
Before having surgery tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)
It is unknown if valsartan passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.