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.
