Key takeaways
Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and losartan (Cozaar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Exforge is a combination of two medications: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Losartan, on the other hand, is a single medication that belongs to the ARB class. Both medications are taken once daily and come in lower-cost generic forms. Exforge can cause swelling in the arms and legs due to amlodipine, whereas losartan may cause upper respiratory infections and dizziness. Additionally, losartan is known to protect against stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy and can cause high potassium levels.
