Exforge tablets are a commonly prescribed treatment used for alleviating the symptoms of high blood pressure. This branded medicine, developed and marketed by Novartis pharmaceutical company, contains two active ingredients, with both of them achieving the desired results by easing the tension in the blood vessels, thus allowing the blood to flow more freely and without restraints, consequentially reducing strain on the heart and arteries. Intended to be taken once daily, Exforge is available in three different dosages.

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High blood pressure (hypertension): A brief overview

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition marked by larger than optimal amount of force used by the heart to pump the blood around the body. This condition is easily identified with the use of a mercury-propelled device that is connected to the upper left arm with a fabric and Velcro strap. The output of the measurement includes two reading – systolic pressure which describes how much pressure the heart uses to pump the blood out and diastolic pressure which indicates how much resistance the arteries offer in response. Both numbers are taken in millimetres of mercury (mmHG) and are usually read as ‘systolic over diastolic’. Usually, hypertension is diagnosed if two consecutive readings are 140 over 90 or higher.

While it can be easily identified, high blood pressure can also be easily missed. According to recent statistical data publish by the NHS, almost a third of people living in the UK are affected by this condition, with the total number being significantly higher when potentially undiagnosed cases are considered. Medical experts agree that relatively lower rates of identification of hypertension are in part due to rather non-specific nature of symptoms associated with condition (nosebleeds, headache and sight problems).

High blood pressure risks and complications

When left untreated, hypertension can pose a significant health risk, especially in the long term. It has been confirmed time and time again that high blood pressure greatly increases the chances of a heart attack, stroke, embolism or kidney disease, with several possible factors contributing to this.

At the same time, the risk of developing hypertension seems to steadily increase with age. In addition to this, people of African or Caribbean origin are somewhat more likely to get affected, due to reasons which are yet to be researched.

Preventing hypertension

As is the case with most cardiovascular conditions, hypertension is also tightly connected to lifestyle. Bad habits such as lack of physical activity, high-salt diet, smoking or excessive drinking all contribute to the onset of this condition in otherwise healthy individuals. This is why prescription medicines used for the treatment and management of this condition are always supplemented with lifestyle changes including changes in dietary and exercise habits. In milder cases, these changes might be enough to bring the condition under control. However, in those cases where these measures just aren’t enough to produce the desired results, medication might be necessary.

Exforge as hypertension medicine

As a high blood pressure medicine based on two distinct active ingredients, Exforge is used in those cases where single-agent solutions haven’t succeeded in achieving the desired results. Amlodipine, one of Exforge’s active ingredients is a calcium-channel blocker that works by inhibiting the activity of calcium in smooth muscle walls lining the blood vessels, thus helping them relax. Valsartan works in a similar way, but belongs to a different class of pharmaceutical compounds called angiotensin-II receptor antagonists which prevents the activity of hormone causing the arteries to narrow. When used in tandems, these two compounds are highly efficient at bringing the blood pressure down.

Can I buy Exforge online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Exforge online in the United Kingdom, however, in order to achieve this, you will still have to provide a valid prescription or obtain one if it is your first time using this medicine. Most online clinics today allow you to go through online consultations with a medical professional either through a kind of live chat app or through a customised medical questionnaire that will allow the doctor to correctly assess your medical history, profile and suitability for the medicine.

If everything is in order, a prescription will be issued and used that same instant to order the medicine and send it to the address you provided.

How is Exforge used?

In order to achieve best possible results with Exforge, it is important to adhere to the directions and guidelines provided by your prescriber. All additional questions you might have should be referred to the doctor so you are completely confident that you are familiar with how this medicine should be used. Alternatively, you can refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.

By following the directions outlined there, you will minimise the risk of side effects while simultaneously ensuring optimal results.

Here we will provide you with a very brief description of how Exforge should be used. Keep in mind that the steps outlined here do not constitute a full and reliable guideline, but just an illustration of how Exforge treatment looks like. For a more detailed overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.

  • Always use exactly as prescribed
  • In most cases, the doctor will prescribe the minimal dose and increase it if needed
  • Regardless of the exact dose, Exforge should be used by taking on tablet daily
  • The tablet must be taken whole with or without food or water
  • It is recommended, but not necessary, to take the tablet at the same time every day
  • For optimal results, adhere to lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor
  • Avoid grapefruit when using Exforge
  • Never exceed the prescribed amount
  • If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, provided that the next dose isn’t due
  • If you accidently skipped a dose, do not double on the next one to make up for it – simply continue with your treatment as usual

What are Exforge side effects?

While not everybody using Exforge will necessarily experience side effects, it is still important to get familiar with them in advance so you can react properly if there is the need to do so. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue or difficulties breathing.

When taking into account the frequency of occurrence of different side effects, we can list them in the following manner.

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Common (1 in 10 users)

 

Headache, swelling of arms, hands and legs, flu-like symptoms, tiredness, flushing
Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Dizziness, feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, indigestion, skin rash, swollen joints
Rare (1 in 1000 users)

 

Tinnitus, anxiety, fainting, increased urinary frequency, erectile dysfunction, sweating

 

Keep in mind that this is not a full list of side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.

Is Exforge safe for me? Exforge contraindications

As is the case with all prescription medicines, Exforge is not suitable for everybody and there are certain scenarios when this treatment will not be recommended. This might be the case, for example, if you are currently taking any of the following medications:

  • ACE inhibitors
  • Diuretics
  • Lithium
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics or supplements
  • NSAIDs
  • COX-2 inhibitors
  • Anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine
  • St John’s wort
  • Nitrates
  • Antifungals such as ketoconazole or rifampicin
  • Antibiotics

In addition to this, people affected by following conditions will be advised against using Exforge:

  • Severe liver problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Narrowing of the aortic valve
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Heart failure or heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • Impaired kidney function

Finally, women who are pregnant, are breastfeeding or are trying to conceive should not use this medicine. While in some cases exceptions might be made during the first three months of pregnancy, after this period, Exforge will be strictly banned.