(NAPSA)—Are you among the (anuria) or have allergic reactions to certain drugs known as sulfon- estimated 74 million adults in the amides. If youre taking EXFORGE US who have high blood pressure? If you are taking a two-drug combi- HCT,tell your doctor aboutall your nation of certain medicines to lower medical conditions and medicines you take, including: liver or kidney problems, Lupus or if you take your blood pressure and it’s not enough, there may be a new medicine for you totry. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved lithium. Serious side effects could occur suchas: Exforge HCT (amlodipine, valsar- Low blood pressure (hypoten- tan, hydrochlorothiazide), the only prescription blood pressure treatment to combine three medicines in a single pill. Exforge HCT combines the numberoneprescribed calcium channel blocker, angiotensin recep- Blood pressure is one of the most important health numbers you should know. Do you know your blood pressure numbers? and is an important new option doctor to see if Exforge HCT may tor blocker and diuretic in onepill, for patients who have tried taking dual combinations of these be right for you without success. The majority of people with high blood pressure will require more than one medicine to control their blood pressure can be successfully mon for patients with severe high blood pressure, and/or patients requiring stricter blood pressure con- regularly. Some patients even use a types of blood pressure medicines blood pressure and it’s not uncom- trol, to need three or more medi- cines. With a treatment that combines three medicines in one pill, appropriate patients may experience a simpler routine of a convenient, once-daily pill to help them control their high blood pressure. Know your numbers! Normal blood pressure numbers are less than 120/80 mmHg. Anything above that numberis considered pre-hypertension (up to 139/89 mmHg), stage | hypertension (up to 159/99 mmHg) and stage 2 hypertension (>160/100 mmHg). @ There are steps you can take to help keep your blood pressure undercontrol: Lead a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, regular exercise and reduced stress Maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking The important thing to know is that with proper medical care, high managed. Because high blood pressure often doesn’t have symptoms, anyone considered at risk should have their blood pressure checked home blood pressure monitor to check their numbersdaily. Risk factors for high blood pressure include: Being over 60 years of age Being overweight Lack of physical activity Being African American ay) Is Exforge HCT Right for You? Exforge HCTis not for everyone. It’s not designed to be thefirst high blood pressure medicine you take. You may be able to switch to the single pill combination Exforge HCTif your blood pressureis not adequately controlled with combination therapy with any two of the following high blood pressure medicines: calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers or diuretics. Exforge HCT combines three effective medicines that each work types of medicines contained in in different ways, helping appropriate patients achieve a healthier blood pressure. By combining three pills into one, Exforge HCT also offers potential cost savings by reducing up to three co-payments to one. blood pressure goal, speak to your you have low or no urine output Seek ongoing medical care and talk to your doctor about medicines that can help elf you already take two of the Exforge HCT and are not at your Do not take EXFORGE HCTif Editor’s Note: Please see accompanying full prescribing information. EXR-900604 sion). Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy and call your doctor right away. Chest pain. Get emergency help if you get worse chest pain or chest pain that does not go away. Kidney problems. Call your doctor if you have swelling in your feet, ankles or hands, or unexplained weightgain. Changes in blood test results in people with congestive heart failure. e Allergic reactions or skin rash. Call your doctor right away if you get an unusualrash. What is the most importantinformation| should know about EXFORGE HCT?If you becomepregnantwhile taking EXFORGE HCT, stop taking EXFORGE HCT andcall your doctorright away. EXFORGE HCT can harm an unborn baby, causing injury or death. Talk to your doctor about other treatment optionsto lower your blood pressure before taking EXFORGE HCT if you plan to become pregnant. @ Tell your doctor about any of the following signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte problems: dry mouth, thirst, weakness, lack of energy (lethargy), drowsiness, rest- lessness, confusion, seizures, muscle pains or cramps, muscle fatigue, low blood pressure, very low urine output, fast heartbeat, or nausea and vomiting. The most commonside effects of EXFORGE HCTinclude dizziness; swelling (edema) of the hands, ankles or feet; headache; indigestion; tiredness; muscle spasms; back pain; nausea; and nasal congestion or sore throat. For more information, including complete prescribing information, visit www.exforgehct.com or call (888) 839-3674.
