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Exforge vs Diovan
Introduction
For patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure, certain medications can help in managing the condition and reducing the associated risks such as heart attack and stroke. Exforge and Diovan are two such drugs that are often prescribed for high blood pressure. Each of these medications have a different composition but both aid in relaxing blood vessels to facilitate smoother blood flow. Diovan is classified as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) primarily working by blocking the substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. On the other hand, Exforge is a combination drug which includes an ARB (Valsartan, same active ingredient as Diovan) along with a calcium channel blocker called Amlodipine; this dual action helps not only in relaxing and widening of blood vessels but also prevents constriction by limiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells.
Exforge vs Diovan Side By Side
| Attribute | Exforge | Diovan |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Exforge | Diovan |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken with ACE inhibitors. Requires monitoring when switching from Diovan due to increased risk for edema and cardiovascular events. | Should not be taken with ACE inhibitors. Higher dosages could lead to more pronounced side effects or interactions with other medications. |
| Cost | Brand name: around $300 for 30 tablets (5 mg/160 mg), Generic: between $50 and $80 for 30 tablets | Brand name: approximately $230 for 30 tablets (160 mg), Generic: around $20 to $45 for 30 pills |
| Generic Name | Amlodipine/Valsartan | Valsartan |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Possible liver damage, signs of an allergic reaction, rapid weight gain, high potassium levels, kidney problems | Signs of an allergic reaction, a light-headed feeling, little or no urination, high potassium level, swelling, rapid weight gain |
| Severe Drug Interactions | ACE inhibitors | ACE inhibitors |
| Typical Dose | 5/160 mg to 10/320 mg a day | 80–160 mg/day, can be escalated to 320 mg/day |
What is Exforge?
Amlodipine and valsartan (the generic names for Exforge) are the two active ingredients in this combination drug, which belongs to the class of medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs were a significant development following the first class of hypertension drugs such as diuretics. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that helps to relax blood vessels, while valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Exforge was first approved by the FDA in 2007.
In comparison, Valsartan alone (Diovan) is also an ARB used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure but does not include the additional ingredient of Amlodipine found in Exforge. Therefore, Diovan may not be as effective at relaxing your blood vessels as Exforge can be – but it's worth noting that both medications should only have minor side effects when taken correctly. Prescription choice will depend on individual health conditions and how well each medication works for you.
What conditions is Exforge approved to treat?
Exforge is prescribed for the management of various cardiovascular conditions:
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure
- Chronic stable angina (chest pain)
- Vasospastic angina (also known as Prinzmetal's or variant angina)
Unlike Diovan, which contains only valsartan, Exforge combines two potent drugs — amlodipine and valsartan — to deliver double-action treatment.
How does Exforge help with these illnesses?
Exforge is used to manage hypertension by combining the effects of two drugs: amlodipine and valsartan. Amlodipine relaxes the muscles in your heart and blood vessels, thereby increasing their diameter. This reduces peripheral vascular resistance, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body, thus lowering blood pressure. Valsartan works differently; it blocks angiotensin II receptors which keeps the blood vessels from narrowing and consequently also lowers blood pressure.
Diovan on the other hand contains only one active ingredient, Valsartan. Like in Exforge, this component works by inhibiting angiotensin II receptor actions which prevents constriction of the blood vessels.
While both medications can effectively lower high blood pressure, Exforge has a dual-action mechanism due to its two active ingredients making it potentially more effective in managing hypertension than Diovan.
What is Diovan?
Diovan, also known by its generic name Valsartan, is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. This means it works to control blood pressure and heart failure symptoms by blocking the action of a natural substance in your body (angiotensin II) that causes your blood vessels to tighten and constrict. By inhibiting the effects of this substance, Diovan allows your blood vessels to relax and widen which helps lower blood pressure and improves circulation. Diovan was first approved by the FDA in 1996.
Despite being effective for high blood pressure management on its own, Diovan does not contain any other active ingredients like Exforge does with Amlodipine - a calcium channel blocker added to further enhance vasodilation efforts. However, one advantage that Diovan has over combination drugs like Exforge is a potentially more manageable side-effect profile as there's only one active ingredient involved.
Common side effects associated with Diovan include dizziness due to lowering of the blood pressure, viral infections, fatigue and abdominal pain although these are generally mild compared to some potential adverse reactions associated with combined therapy antihypertensive medications such as Exforge.
What conditions is Diovan approved to treat?
Diovan, known generically as valsartan, is an FDA-approved medication for the management of several significant cardiovascular conditions. The therapeutic applications of Diovan include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart failure
- Post-myocardial infarction (to improve survival after a heart attack)
How does Diovan help with these illnesses?
Diovan, also known as valsartan, is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that works by blocking the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly. This effect thereby reduces high blood pressure and relieves symptoms of heart failure. Diovan's primary role is in managing hypertension and improving survival after a heart attack. It can be used alone or combined with other medications to lower stubbornly high blood pressure levels.
Exforge, on the other hand, combines two medicines—amlodipine and valsartan (the active ingredient in Diovan)—in one tablet. The added benefit of amlodipine—a calcium channel blocker—is its ability to relax the muscles of your heart and arteries. However, patients who do not require this additional muscle relaxation might respond well enough to Diovan alone without needing Exforge's dual-action formula. Furthermore, since it does not significantly affect potassium levels like some other drugs for hypertension (such as ACE inhibitors), it may be prescribed when a patient doesn't tolerate these others well.
How effective are both Exforge and Diovan?
Both Exforge and Diovan have a proven track record of efficacy in managing hypertension, with both drugs receiving FDA approval within a few years of each other. Both medications work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and can lead to increased blood pressure.
Exforge is actually a combination drug that includes both valsartan (the active ingredient in Diovan) and another medication called amlodipine. The addition of amlodipine, which is a calcium channel blocker, allows for an additional mechanism for reducing high blood pressure. Therefore, Exforge might be prescribed when monotherapy with an angiotensin receptor blocker like valsartan alone isn't enough to control hypertension.
A 2007 study comparing Exforge and Diovan found out that patients who took Exforge had greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those who took Diovan alone. This makes sense given the dual-action nature of Exforge as compared to the single-action approach taken by Diovan.
A review from 2010 highlighted the effectiveness of valsartan starting from early stages of treatment; it demonstrated favorable side effect profiles over many other antihypertensive drugs making it well-tolerated even among elderly populations or those with renal impairment. It's also worth noting that there are ample studies backing up its effectiveness since it was first developed as one amongst several ARBs-class antihypertensive drugs.
However, while research has shown that combining valsartan with Amlodipine (as done in exforge) appears more effective at controlling high blood pressure than use of either therapy alone; significant research on its use involves being co-prescribed alongside another hypertensive agent so data confirming its efficacy as stand-alone treatment may not be robustly established like for Valsartan alone. Regardless due to their unique pharmacology these two medicines may offer optimal treatment options for hypertensive patients depending upon individual needs such as response towards previous line treatments or need to avoid particular side effects such weight gain associated with some beta-blockers & diuretics etc.
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At what dose is Exforge typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Exforge range from 5/160 mg to 10/320 mg a day, depending on the nature and severity of your hypertension. It is recommended that adults start with a dosage of 5/160 mg per day. In cases where blood pressure is not adequately controlled, the dose can be increased after two weeks. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 10/320 mg in any case for safety reasons. On the other hand, Diovan is typically started at a dose of 80-160mg once daily in adults with high blood pressure, and it can be increased up to a maximum dose of 320mg if necessary.
At what dose is Diovan typically prescribed?
Diovan treatment is typically begun at a dosage of 80–160 mg/day. The dose can then be escalated to 320 mg/day, which may be divided into two doses, spaced 12 hours apart. If after several weeks there's no adequate response to the treatment at this dosage, the maximum recommended daily dose of Diovan is 640 mg, divided into two doses of 320 mg and spaced out by twelve hours. However, such an adjustment should only be considered under medical supervision as higher dosages could potentially lead to more pronounced side effects or interactions with other medications.
What are the most common side effects for Exforge?
Common side effects of Exforge may include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Swelling ankles/feet
- Flushing or warm feeling in the face (hot flashes)
- Headache
- Back pain, muscle cramps
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Nasal congestion, sore throat
In contrast, Diovan might cause:
-Dizziness, -Lightheadedness, -Strength loss or fatigue, -Viral infections, -Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities), -Diarrhea.
Remember that these side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if they persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Exforge?
While both Exforge and Diovan are used to control high blood pressure, they may have different side effects. It's important to be aware of these potential issues:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat.
- Possible liver damage shown by symptoms: yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice), dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain and persistent nausea/vomiting.
- Rapid weight gain; shortness of breath (especially when lying down); swelling in your hands, ankles or feet.
- High potassium levels which can cause muscle weakness, slow irregular heartbeat.
- In rare cases kidney problems may occur. This is more likely for people who already have kidney disease or if their dose is too high.
If you experience any of the above side effects while taking Exforge or Diovan it's important that you stop using the medication immediately and consult with your healthcare provider right away.
What are the most common side effects for Diovan?
Diovan, also known as valsartan, can cause a range of side effects such as:
- Headache or dizziness
- Viral infection symptoms like sore throat and runny nose
- Fatigue and weakness
- Stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea
- Back pain and joint pain
- High potassium levels which may lead to muscle weakness, slow heart rate
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Some people might experience other side effects or none at all. It's important to consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects before starting any new medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Diovan?
While Diovan is generally well-tolerated, it can cause adverse reactions in certain situations. Some severe side effects to watch for include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat and hives
- A light-headed feeling like you might pass out
- Little or no urination; a condition that may get worse with time
- High potassium level leading to leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats and fluttering in your chest
- Swelling, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
In the event that any of these symptoms occur while taking Diovan, seek immediate medical assistance.
Contraindications for Exforge and Diovan?
Both Exforge and Diovan, as with most antihypertensive medications, may cause certain side effects. If you notice your blood pressure dropping too low or if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Exforge nor Diovan should be taken if you are already taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Always inform your physician about all the medications that you are currently taking; ACE inhibitors will need to be discontinued a few weeks before starting treatment with either Exforge or Diovan to prevent potentially dangerous interactions.
Exforge contains an additional component called amlodipine besylate which works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels. This combination makes it more effective in treating high blood pressure than Diovan alone but also increases the risk for edema (swelling) and other cardiovascular events. Therefore, careful monitoring is required when switching from Diovan to Exforge.
How much do Exforge and Diovan cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 tablets of Exforge (5 mg/160 mg) averages around $300, which works out to about $10/day.
- The price for 30 tablets of Diovan (160 mg) is approximately $230, working out to roughly $7.67/day.
Thus, if you are on a standard dosage for either drug, then brand-name Diovan tends to be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, cost should not be the primary factor in determining which of these medications is right for you - efficacy and side effects will also play a significant role.
As for their generic versions:
-
Amlodipine/Valsartan (the generic form of Exforge) costs between $50 and $80 for 30 tablets depending on the pharmacy or health insurance used - that's an approximate daily cost ranging from about $1.66 to nearly $2.70.
-
Valsartan alone (generic version of Diovan), typically ranges from around$20 to$45 for a bottle containing 30 pills which equates to approximately $.67-$1.50 per day.
These prices can vary significantly based upon location, your individual prescription plan and other factors but they provide general guideposts when considering costs associated with medication choices.
Popularity of Exforge and Diovan
Valsartan, available under the brand name Diovan among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. In 2020, Valsartan was estimated to have been prescribed to about 10 million people in the US. This accounted for approximately 12% of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescriptions in the country making it one of the most commonly-prescribed drugs in its class.
Exforge on the other hand, which combines amlodipine and valsartan into a single pill, was prescribed to about 3 million people in the USA during that same year. Although less common than standalone valsartan prescriptions due to its combination nature and slightly higher cost, Exforge still accounts for around 5% of ARB prescriptions and has seen steady use over recent years as an effective means of managing both hypertension and coronary artery disease with one medication.
Conclusion
Both Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and Diovan (valsartan) have a long-standing record of usage in patients with hypertension, and are backed by numerous clinical studies indicating that they effectively lower blood pressure more than placebo treatments. Both medications contain valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker that helps relax and widen your blood vessels to improve blood flow. However, Exforge has an added component - amlodipine, which is a calcium channel blocker further aiding in the relaxation of blood vessels.
Due to their different mechanisms of action combined in one pill, Exforge tends to be prescribed when single therapy does not provide adequate response or as initial therapy if a patient's condition suggests the need for dual antihypertensive treatment. On the other hand, Diovan is usually considered as first-line treatment for high blood pressure due to its fewer side effects compared to other classes of antihypertensives.
Generics are available for both drugs resulting in significant cost savings especially for patients who must pay out-of-pocket. An adjustment period may also apply here meaning that full effects on lowering your blood pressure may take up several weeks.
The side effect profile differs between these two drugs; while both being generally well-tolerated, some people might experience additional side effects like ankle swelling from the calcium channel blocking effect of amlodipine present in Exforge which isn't there with Diovan alone. As always it’s important you speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have or adverse reactions noted after starting these medications.
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Refrences
- Croom, K. F., & Keating, G. M. (2004). Valsartan. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.2165/00129784-200404060-00008