Norvasc

Why have I been prescribed NORVASC?

NORVASC has been prescribed to you for:¹

• The treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), or
• The management of a type of chest pain called angina

NORVASC can be used by itself or with other medicines to treat these conditions. For complete information, please refer to your NORVASC consumer information leaflet.

What is NORVASC?

NORVASC belongs to a group of drugs called “calcium channel blockers”. NORVASC relaxes your blood vessels, which lets your blood flow more easily. This helps to lower your blood pressure. NORVASC controls chest pain by improving the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. This reduces the amount of work that your heart has to do.¹

What are the ingredients in NORVASC?

Medicinal ingredients: Amlodipine besylate.
Non-medicinal ingredients: Dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels (known as arteries).²

When your blood pressure is measured, you get 2 numbers:

• The top number represents the pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out (systolic)
• The bottom number represents the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic). Blood pressure levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)

What is considered normal blood pressure? Why is high blood pressure important?

One in four Canadians has high blood pressure. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, so it is very important that it is properly controlled.³
For most people, normal blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or lower. If you check your blood pressure at home, it should be 135/85 mmHg or lower because you’re usually more relaxed at home. If you have diabetes, it should be less than 130/80 mmHg.

How do I check my blood pressure at home?

To check your blood pressure at home:²

• Sit down in a quiet, comfortable place with no distractions or talking, so that you are calm and your blood pressure is not artificially raised
• Put your arm on a table, and put the blood pressure cuff at the same height as your heart
• Make sure you’re seated in a position with back support
• Keep your feet flat on the floor, and don’t cross your legs
• Take two measurements in the morning and two in the evening on the same arm and record the readings in a log

If you are planning to buy a home blood pressure monitor, before going to the pharmacy, measure the distance (the circumference) around the middle of your upper arm to make sure that you buy the correct size. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose the right size blood pressure cuff based on this measurement. Blood pressure monitors can be purchased in most pharmacies.²

Learn More: Taking this medication >

When should NORVASC not be used?

Do not use NORVASC if:¹

• You are allergic to amlodipine, or to any of the non-medicinal ingredients in NORVASC.
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to a similar type of drug.
• You have very low blood pressure (less than 90 mmHg systolic).
• You have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic heart valve).
• You have been diagnosed with unstable heart failure after a heart attack.
• You experience shock including cardiogenic shock.
• You are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking NORVASC.

What else should I tell my doctor before taking NORVASC?

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take NORVASC. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:¹

• Ever had heart or blood vessel diseases.
• Have poor blood circulation in the brain.
• Have liver or kidney problems.
• Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
• Are 65 years of age or older.

Other warnings you should know about:
Low Blood Pressure: NORVASC may occasionally cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Your healthcare professional will monitor your blood pressure, especially if you have had a stroke or take other medications to lower your blood pressure.

Is it okay to take other medicines while I am taking NORVASC?

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.¹

Serious Drug Interactions

Do not take NORVASC is you are already taking medications known as “strong inhibitors of CYP 3A4”. These include:¹

• Clarithromycin and erythromycin (antibiotic medications)
• “Azole” drugs such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (antifungal medications)
• Ritonavir (a medication used in the treatment of HIV)

Taking NORVASC with any of these medications may cause serious drug interactions. If you are unsure if you are taking any of these medications, ask your healthcare professional.

The following may interact with NORVASC:¹

• Cyclosporin (used to suppress the immune system)
• Diltiazem and beta-blockers (used to lower blood pressure)
• Quinidine, flecainide and propafenone (used to treat heart rhythm problems)
• Terfenadine (an antihistamine)
• Warfarin (used to prevent blood clots)
• Sildenafil (used to treat erectile dysfunction)
• Statin drugs such as simvastatin or atorvastatin (used to treat high cholesterol)
• Tacrolimus and sirolimus (anti-rejection drugs)
• Temsirolimus and everolimus (medications used in cancer treatment)
• Dantrolene (a muscle relaxant)
• Antacids
• Benzodiazepines (a type of sedative)
• Imipramine (an antidepressant)
• Theophylline (used to treat breathing problems)
• Phenobarbital and phenytoin (used to treat seizures)
• Rifampin (an antibiotic)
• St-John’s Wort
• Grapefruit. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on NORVASC.

How much NORVASC should I take and how often?

• Take NORVASC exactly as your healthcare professional tells you
• To help you remember to take your medication, try to take NORVASC at the same time each day
• Do NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare professional first

Usual dose:
For both high blood pressure and chest pain, the usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily. If necessary, your healthcare professional may increase your dose to a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily.
Use in patients with liver disease: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg (one-half of a 5 mg tablet) once daily. Your healthcare professional may increase your dose if necessary.
Use in children (6 to 17 years old): The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg (one-half of a 5 mg tablet) to 5 mg once daily.

What if I accidentally take too much NORVASC?

If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much NORVASC, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.¹

What if I forget to take a dose of NORVASC?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double doses.¹

What are possible side effects of NORVASC?

Side effects may include:¹

• Headaches
• Tiredness, extreme sleepiness, insomnia
• Stomach pain, nausea
• Dizziness
• Flushing of the face
• Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion
• Muscle cramps
• Weak muscles
• Nervousness
• Shortness of breath

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking NORVASC. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

Learn More: Safety information >

How will I know if I am having an allergic reaction to NORVASC?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:¹

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, nausea, and throwing up

If you think you might be having an allergic reaction to NORVASC, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical help.

How should I store NORVASC?

• Store NORVASC at room temperature (between 15-30°C). Protect from light.¹
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.¹

References:

1. NORVASC Product Monograph, https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/
2. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2024. Available at www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention/condition-risk-factors/high-blood-pressure Accessed on: December 02, 2024.
3. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2024. Available at www.heartandstroke.ca/what-we-do/media-centre/news-releases/health-professionals-concerned-about-bloodpressurein- Canada Accessed on: December 02, 2024.
4. Public Health Agency of Canada. Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. Government of Canada. www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/heart-health/high -blood-pressure/signs-symptoms-high-blood-pressure.html. Accessed on: December 02, 2024.