Warnings & Recalls for Norvasc
General Warnings
In
February of 2010, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved
label changes for Norvasc. These changes included warnings about the possibility of
low blood pressure (hypotension) in patients with heart disease such as aortic stenosis (
AS). Adjustments had also been made to highlight the
risk of increased chest pain (angina) while taking Norvasc.
Before taking Norvasc,
let your doctor know if you have:
- any allergies, especially to any ingredient in Norvasc
- heart disease or disorders
- you are taking any other medications
- low blood pressure
- kidney or liver disease
- heart problems
Tell all healthcare providers, including dentists that you are taking Norvasc.
Side effects of Norvasc may be intensified among elderly patients.
Norvasc and Pregnancy
Norvasc is listed as an FDA
pregnancy Category C medication. It is
unknown if Norvasc can
harm the
fetus if taken during pregnancy nor if this medication can be
passed through
breast-milk to a nursing baby. Before taking Norvasc,
tell your doctor if you are
pregnant,
planning to become pregnant or are
breastfeeding and discuss possible risks.
Norvasc Drug Interactions
In
October of 2011, Pfizer added information to the labeling of Norvasc to warn patients about
interaction with
Simvastatin. Patients who are taking Norvasc should
limit their use of Simvastatin to 20mg each day to avoid the risk of
overexposure to this medication.
If you are taking Norvasc, limit your drinking of
alcoholic beverages. Large amounts of alcohol combined with Norvasc can lead to a
dangerous decrease in blood pressure and side effects may become intensified.
Read labels of
all drugs you are taking. Many medicines, especially
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may
raise your blood pressure and can interfere with Norvasc.
Norvasc Treatment and Use
Norvasc | Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker marketed by Pfizer for treating high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and disorders caused by coronary heart disease. Norvasc may be prescribed for following reasons:
- increasing the ability to exercise
- decreasing the risk of stroke
- preventing heart attack
- decrease possibility of kidney disease
Norvasc should not be used by anyone under the age of 6.
How Does Norvasc Work?
Norvasc works by causing smooth muscles in the arterial wall to relax and widen. This results in a decrease in blood pressure and relieves the heart of stress. For patients with angina, Norvasc increases the circulation of blood to the heart muscle.
Norvasc Dosage Information
Norvasc is given in tablet form. Normally, Norvasc should be taken once daily by mouth. For taking Norvasc:
- remove tablet from blister pack by peeling back foil to avoid crushing or breaking the tablet
- swallow the tablet with a full glass of water around the same time each day
- take the dose amount recommended by your doctor; do not take more or less than instructed
Do not stop using Norvasc unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Be sure to follow all instructions given to you by your doctor including diet, medicines, and exercise regimens.
