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Tuesday 05 May 2009
Blood Pressure Pill Exforge HCT Approved
Exforge HCT Combines 3 Hypertension Drugs Into 1 Pill
The FDA has approved Exforge HCT, which combines three blood pressure drugs -- amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide -- into one pill.
Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker. Valsartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB). Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic.
In June 2007, the FDA approved Exforge, which contains amlodipine and valsartan. The newly approved Exforge HCT adds hydrochlorothiazide.
The FDA approved Exforge HCT based on a clinical trial that included more than 2,000 patients, according to a news release from Novartis, the drug company that makes Exforge and Exforge HCT.
Novartis plans to offer Exforge and Exforge HCT at the same price in the U.S.