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Read this information carefully before you start NORVASC
(NORE-vask) and each time you refill your prescription. There
may be new information. This information does not replace
talking with your doctor. If you have any questions about
NORVASC, ask your doctor. Your doctor will know if
NORVASC is right for you.
What is NORVASC?
NORVASC is a type of medicine known as a calcium channel
blocker (CCB). It is used to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension) and a type of chest pain called angina. It can be
used by itself or with other medicines to treat these conditions.
High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure comes from blood pushing too hard against
your blood vessels. NORVASC relaxes your blood vessels
which lets your blood flow more easily and helps lower your
blood pressure. Drugs that lower blood pressure lower your
risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Angina
Angina is a pain or discomfort that keeps coming back when part
of your heart does not get enough blood. Angina feels like a
pressing or squeezing pain, usually in your chest under the
breastbone. Sometimes you can feel it in your shoulders, arms,
neck, jaws, or back. NORVASC can relieve this pain.
Who should not use NORVASC?
Do not use NORVASC if you are allergic to amlodipine, (the
active ingredient in NORVASC), or to the inactive ingredients.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a list of these
ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before taking
NORVASC?
Tell your doctor about any prescription and non-prescription
medicines you are taking, including natural or herbal remedies.
Tell your doctor if you:

ever had heart disease

ever had liver problems

are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor will
decide if NORVASC is the best treatment for you.

are breast-feeding. Do not breast feed while taking
NORVASC. You can stop breastfeeding or take a different
medicine.
How should I take NORVASC?

Take NORVASC once a day, with or without food. You can
take NORVASC with most drinks, including grapefruit juice.

It may be easier to take your dose if you do it at the same time
every day, such as with breakfast, dinner, or at bedtime. Do
not take more than one dose of NORVASC at a time.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not
take NORVASC if it has been more than 12 hours since you
missed your last dose. Wait and take the next dose at your
regular time.


Other medicines: You can use nitroglycerin and NORVASC
together. If you take nitroglycerin for angina, dont stop taking
it while you are taking NORVASC.

While you are taking NORVASC, do not stop taking your other
prescription medicines, including any other blood pressure
medicines, without talking to you doctor.

If you took too much NORVASC, call your doctor or Poison
Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room
right away.
What should I avoid while taking NORVASC?


Do not breastfeed. It is not known if NORVASC will pass
through your milk.

Do not start any new prescription or non-prescription medicines
or supplements, unless you check with your doctor first.
What are the possible side effects of NORVASC?

NORVASC may cause the following side effects. Most side
effects are mild or moderate:

headache



swelling of your legs or ankles

tiredness, extreme sleepiness


stomach
pain,
nausea


dizziness

flushing (hot or warm feeling in your face)

arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

heart palpitations (very fast heartbeat)
It is rare, but when you first start NORVASC or increase your
dose, you may have a heart attack or your angina may get worse.
If that happens, call your doctor right away or go directly to a
hospital emergency room.
Tell your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects you
experience. These are not all the possible side effects of
NORVASC. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How do I store NORVASC?
Keep NORVASC away from children. Store NORVASC tablets
at room temperature (between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Keep NORVASC out of the light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep NORVASC in a dry place.
General advice about NORVASC
Sometimes, doctors will prescribe a medicine for a condition that
is not written in the patient information leaflets. Only use
NORVASC the way your doctor told you to. Do not give
NORVASC to other people, even if they have the same symptoms
you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about
NORVASC, or you can visit the Pfizer website at
www.pfizer.com or call 1-866-2 GOAL BP (1-866-246-2527).



SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ABOUT
Manufactured and distributed by
Pfizer Inc.
New York, NY 10017
NX417Y00
©2003, Pfizer Inc.
Printed in USA/June 2003