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Compare Exforge vs. Micardis

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

Key takeaways

Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and Micardis (telmisartan) 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). Micardis, on the other hand, contains only telmisartan, which is an ARB. Both medications are typically taken once a day and are available in lower-cost generic forms. Exforge can cause side effects like swelling in the legs and dizziness, whereas Micardis may cause upper respiratory infections and back pain. Additionally, Micardis is used not only for high blood pressure but also to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain adults. Both medications are not safe to take during pregnancy and may require regular blood work to monitor kidney function.

  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Telmisartan (Micardis)
  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Telmisartan (Micardis)

  • Summary of Exforge vs. Micardis

    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

    Telmisartan (Micardis) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. Telmisartan (Micardis) is also used to lower the risk of death or heart attack in certain people with heart problems. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once a day. Side effects aren't common, but people taking telmisartan (Micardis) have reported ones like upper respiratory infection and back pain.

  • Indications of Exforge vs. Micardis

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lowering the risk of death, stroke, or heart attack in certain adults 55 years or older with a history of heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease)

  • Pros and Cons of Exforge vs. Micardis

    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
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Lowers the risk of heart attack or death due to heart problems in people with CAD
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors
    Cons
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Might require regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your kidneys are functioning normally
    •Not safe for use in children
    •Can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effect on high blood pressure

  • Common Side Effects of Exforge vs. Micardis

    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
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat; 7%)
    •Pain in the legs while walking (up to 7%)
    •Skin ulcers (up to 3%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Sinus infection (stuffy nose; 3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

  • Warnings of Exforge vs. Micardis

    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 problems
    •High levels of potassium
    •Liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Exforge vs. Micardis

    Learn more about Exforge
    Learn more about Telmisartan

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