Exforge can be safely attributed to the drugs that are presented today on the pharmacological market and quite effectively cope with the problem of hypertension. The reviews of those who took this medicine will be discussed in detail in our article. As a rule, they all confirm the effectiveness of this therapeutic agent. The drug is prescribed for patients with arterial hypertension and contains components that eliminate the main symptoms of this disease.
Numerous reviews about Exforge confirm that this drug copes with even the most severe cases of hypertension. Patients write that after a month of taking the medicine regularly, the pressure really stabilizes and, accordingly, overall health improves much.
To avoid possible confusion, it is worth noting immediately that, depending on the active substances that make up the drug, it can be sold under two names - Exforge and Co-Exforge. Instructions for use and the effect that is achieved with their systematic use will be discussed later in our article.
The composition of the drug and the basic principle of action
Exforge (reviews, instructions, the price of which will be discussed later) is a combination of two main active ingredients:
- Valsartan is a substance that is an active antagonist of angiotensin II receptors. The main advantage of this component is that valsartan, effectively lowering the level of blood pressure, does not affect the heart rate. Also, unlike many similar substances, it does not provoke the appearance of dry cough in patients.
- Amplodipine is a component that is a derivative of dihydropyridine. Its main action is to block the slow calcium channels. Amplodipin promotes the expansion of the vascular walls due to their relaxation, it also actively contributes to increased renal blood flow. After this component enters the body, a natural decrease in the level of blood pressure is observed.
The two components considered are the main active ingredients that make up the drug under the name Exforge. The reviews of those who took this medicine confirm that it is quite effective in combating the problems of high blood pressure.
Exforge and Co-Exforge: what is the difference
It is also worth noting that in pharmacies you can find a medicine with almost the same name - "Co-Exforge."
The difference from Exforge is that in its composition, in addition to amplodipine and valsartan, it contains another active substance - hydrochlorothiazide (a fairly powerful diuretic).
Existing dosages of the drug
Depending on the proportion of the active ingredients that are part of these components, these tablets are produced and sold in three dosages: Exforge 10/160; 5/160; 5/80. The second digit after the fraction always indicates the amount of valsartan contained in the tablet.
How to take the drug
In order to achieve a visible therapeutic effect from taking any drug and avoid possible side effects, only the attending physician should deal with the appointment and determination of the optimal daily dose. Exforge (tablets) was no exception. Instructions for use of this medication indicate that the tablet with the dosage prescribed by the doctor is consumed with a small amount of clean water, preferably in the morning. Taking medication can be done regardless of the meal (both before and after).
"Exforge" and "Co Exforge": instructions, reviews of doctors
At specialized medical forums, reviews of doctors, as well as patients, about this drug are more positive. Doctors like that this drug can be prescribed to those patients who have high blood pressure monopreparations ("Valsartan" or "Amplodipine") is inadequately regulated. The medicine under consideration, due to its composition, allows you to transfer such patients to combination therapy. At the same time, “Exforge” sharp jumps in blood pressure almost completely disappear.
Doctors also note that patients who drink both Valsartan and Amplodipine are, of course, much more convenient to transfer to one drug ─ Exforge or Co-Exforge. This both reduces the number of medical prescriptions and is more convenient for patients, because instead of several drugs and an additional diuretic, they can take only 1 tablet per day with the correct dosage.
As one of the advantages of this drug, doctors note that it is equally well absorbed and tolerated by both young patients and elderly people. It is convenient that in case of prescribing the drug to patients over the age of 65, there is no need for special dose adjustment.
Exforge: reviews of those who took this medicine
On various forums there are many laudatory reviews about this drug. Very often, relatives of patients who bought this medicine for them leave comments. People write that the drug helped with prolonged and protracted hypertensive conditions, while other drugs did not give such a successful effect.
Patients themselves also mostly praise Exforge. The reviews of those who took this medicine confirm its effectiveness.
Many write that the drug really has a long-lasting effect, and the pressure remains within the normal range for a long time after its discontinuation. Positive dynamics are noticeable after taking the first few tablets.
Contraindications
It is always worth remembering that even the most effective drug can have a number of contraindications. Exforge medicine was no exception. Instructions for use clearly define the conditions in which this medicine is strictly not recommended. Among them:
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to one of the excipients contained in Exforge (you can always clarify the list of these substances and avoid negative reactions by reading the instructions for the drug, namely its section "Composition").
- Medium and severe renal impairment. The drug is strictly prohibited for patients who are on dialysis.
- Cholestasis and biliary cirrhosis, as well as other severe violations of liver function.
- Taking this drug is highly not recommended for women planning a pregnancy, already pregnant and breastfeeding.
- The drug is not prescribed for patients with shock conditions, for example, with cardiogenic shock. Also, its use is unacceptable after a recent acute myocardial infarction and with left heart ventricle obstruction.
In addition, when prescribing both Exforge and Co-Exforge, it must be taken into account that the effectiveness and safety of these drugs for patients under the age of 18 have not been established to date.
Contraindications that the drug "Co-Exforge"
Since the drug "Co-Exforge" in its composition additionally has a strong diuretic, it should be used with caution in the following diseases and conditions:
- hyperkalemia, hyponatremia and any other disturbances in the water-electrolyte balance;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- various conditions of the patient, which are accompanied by a lower bcc;
- obstructive cardiomyopathy, aortic or mitral stenosis;
- renal artery stenosis ;
- diabetes.
Currently, there are no results of clinical studies that could confirm the safety of Co-Exforge for patients who have recently undergone kidney transplantation.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Any drug has its own side effects, and the drug we are considering is no exception. Most often, negative reviews about Exforge are associated precisely with its side effects.
When taking the drug, complications with the respiratory system and ENT organs can be observed, such as:
- sinusitis;
- nasopharyngitis;
- rhinitis;
- pain in the larynx;
- gingival hyperplasia;
- pulmonary edema;
- cough.
In the gastrointestinal tract, the following violations are possible:
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- exacerbation of gastritis, pancreatitis;
- epigastric pain;
- a feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
- nausea.
In rare cases, when taking the drug, the following disorders in the central nervous system can be observed:
- headaches;
- itching throughout the body, skin rash;
- insomnia;
- causeless concern;
- lability of mood;
- visual impairment;
- drowsiness;
- muscle spasms;
- noise in ears.
Other side effects
The instructions for the drug indicate that as side effects in patients, conditions such as:
- paresthesia;
- exanthema;
- arthralgia;
- hyperhidrosis;
- tachycardia;
- hyperglycemia.
If any symptoms of one of the listed side effects appear, to avoid further complications, it is worth immediately informing the doctor who prescribed Exforge.
Instructions for use, price, analogues
The drug is taken once a day (1 tablet). The question of dosage - 5/80, 5/160, 10/160 - is taken by the doctor.
One of the disadvantages of this drug is its high price. On average, with a slight difference, depending on the margin of pharmacies, the cost of the drug is as follows:
- 14 tablets in a dosage of 5 mg / 80 mg - 880 rubles., 28 tablets - 1630 rubles .;
- 14 tablets in a dosage of 5 mg / 160 - 950 rubles; 28 tablets - 1750 rubles;
- 14 tablets in a dosage of 10 mg / 160 mg - 1020 rubles., 28 tablets - 1800 rubles.
This drug also has analogues, the price of which is slightly less than that of Exforge. The following drugs are referred to analog drugs:
- "Enanorm" - is a combination of nitrendipine and enalapril, the average cost is about 410 rubles.
- "Amzaar" - is a combination of amplodipine and losartan, costs about 600 rubles.
- "Gizaar" - a drug that contains hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, costs an average of 420 rubles.
- "Equator" - contains lisinopril and amplodipine, costs about 700 rubles.
Despite the fact that analog drugs are much cheaper than Exforge, it must be remembered that self-medication, and especially hypertension, can be dangerous to health and life. The decision to take any drug that lowers blood pressure should always be taken with the attending physician, taking into account all his recommendations. Only then will it be able to provide the proper therapeutic effect and not harm health.