Living in this modern world should make you wonder why some diseases in the past are not as much as what is now. Imagine, in the old days, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension were not as much as they are now. True, it could be because nowadays with sophisticated technology and medical knowledge, the number of people diagnosed with diseases are better recorded since it is much easier to be diagnosed. Or, it could be because people nowadays understand the importance of taking care of their health by knowing what to do when they are faced with certain preventable diseases. Still, this does not mean metabolic diseases are common because of the information we are capable of getting now. Metabolic diseases are very common in the world we are living now and at the current time because of our unhealthy ways of living including sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits.
Metabolic disease such as hypertension is on the rise and the number does not seem to cease. There are many antihypertensive drugs available to help patients achieve a better blood pressure. One of them is Exforge 5/80 mg. It is important to keep blood pressure at an optimal level. This means that people with hypertension might not have the same normal blood pressure as other healthy people do even on antihypertensive medicine. This is because people with hypertension’s blood circulation system differs slightly with healthy people. Thus, optimal blood pressure or specific target is catered to prevent further complications in the future and still enable them to have a healthy life.
If you are wondering if Exforge is a good blood pressure medication, you must first understand what makes it a good medication. A good medication should be able to control blood pressure while being the safest and making patients comply with the medicine. One of the medications that fulfils these is Exforge medicine.
Exforge contains amlodipine and valsartan as its active ingredients. Amlodipine belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blocker (CCB) and valsartan belongs to a group named angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). CCB works by preventing movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This action causes the blood vessel to relax and ultimately lower the blood pressure. ARB on the other hand works by blocking the effect of a hormone known as angiotensin II. The angiotensin II hormone has the effect on the blood vessel, causing it to constrict. Thus, ARB blocks this enzyme from working on the blood vessel and helps to lower the blood pressure as the blood vessels relax. Reports shown that combination of ARB and CCB gives additive blood pressure lowering effects while reducing the likelihood of side effects. Hence, Exforge is indeed a good blood pressure medication since the therapeutic effect can be achieved while less likely to cause adverse events.
Exforge is available in a few different dosages. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the suitable dose based on your current blood pressure state and your health condition. The dose may change in a few more weeks to come if your doctor thinks you do not achieve the targeted blood pressure. You are likely to receive Exforge when you are needed to take two or more types of antihypertensive drugs that are combined into one tablet. This makes it easier for you to take it everyday. It is best to take this medicine regularly to fully reap the benefits. You may want to try taking this medicine at the same time of the day to help you remember. Remember to take this medicine as directed by your doctor and never change the dose or take it excessively. Do not stop taking this medicine unless you are told to do so by your doctors. Keep taking this medicine even if you are feeling well because most people with high blood pressure do not feel unwell although their blood pressure is very high. It may take several weeks for the medicine to really work.
Just as with any other medicine that does bring benefits, it also comes with potential side effects. Side effects may or may not affect you since responses are individually. Common side effects include dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, insomnia, low libido, dry cough and stomach pain. If these side effects persist or get worse, you should tell your doctor. If serious side effect such as swelling of the legs or ankle, infection characterised by sore throat that does not resolved, fever and chills, symptoms of high potassium blood level (hypokalaemia) marked by muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat or sign of sudden kidney issues such as changes or low urination, you should get immediate medical advice. Any unwanted effects from this medicine should be addressed to your doctor or pharmacist.
In essence, Exforge is indeed a good blood pressure medication. The combination of the drug that is packed in one tablet makes it easier for people to keep track of their medication. If you do have other medical conditions such as liver problems or heart diseases, you should be clear about this to your doctor before taking this medicine. If you are using any supplements or taking other medicine, be sure to let your doctor acknowledge this to prevent possible drug interactions. You should avoid driving a vehicle or working with a machine if you feel dizzy or lightheaded when taking this medicine.
