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Compare Exforge vs. Diovan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and valsartan (Diovan) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Exforge is a combination medication that includes amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Valsartan (Diovan), on the other hand, is solely an ARB. Exforge is typically taken once a day, while valsartan can be taken once or twice a day depending on the condition being treated. Exforge is available as a generic, making it a more cost-effective option. Both medications can cause dizziness and swelling, but Exforge is more likely to cause swelling due to the amlodipine component. Additionally, Exforge is not recommended for people with liver problems, while valsartan can be used in children and comes in both tablet and liquid forms. Both medications are not safe to use during pregnancy and can raise potassium levels.

  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Valsartan (Diovan)

  • Summary of Exforge vs. Diovan

    Summary for CCB / ARB
    Prescription only

    Exforge is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker, or CCB) and valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once per day. Some side effects of Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan) include swelling throughout the body and dizziness. This medication is available as generics.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Valsartan, also known by its brand name, Diovan, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It's also used to lower the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or in adults after a heart attack. Valsartan (Diovan) is available as a lower-cost generic and comes as a tablet and liquid. The dosage depends on your condition, but it's typically taken by mouth once or twice per day. Potential side effects of valsartan (Diovan) include dizziness and fatigue.

  • Indications of Exforge vs. Diovan

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults
    •Lower the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Exforge vs. Diovan

    Pros and Const for CCB / ARB
    Pros
    •Convenient to take a combination of two medications in one pill
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Might not be a good choice for people with liver problems
    •Can cause swelling in the arms and legs
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack for many people
    •Taken typically once per day, but sometimes twice per day
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid
    •Can be used in children
    Cons
    •Takes about 2-4 weeks to see full benefits of valsartan (Diovan) for high blood pressure
    •Might not work as well for Black people
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can raise potassium levels

  • Common Side Effects of Exforge vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in legs or arms (5%)
    •Sore throat, runny nose, and other cold-like symptoms (3-4%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took valsartan for high blood pressure.

  • Warnings of Exforge vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of heart attack or chest pain
    •Possible kidney damage in certain people
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Exforge vs. Diovan

    Learn more about Exforge
    Learn more about Valsartan

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