Norvasc belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers or calcium ion antagonists. They work by widening your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around the body and help increase the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart. Calcium channel blockers do not change the amount of calcium in your blood or bones.
Norvasc is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). There are usually no symptoms of hypertension. The only way of knowing that you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems.
Norvasc is also used to treat angina pectoris. Angina is a pain or uncomfortable feeling in the chest, often spreading to the arms or neck, and sometimes to the shoulders and back. The pain of angina is due to a shortage of oxygen to the heart.
Norvasc is not for the relief of a sudden attack of angina. Your doctor will have given you other medication to treat this.
Your doctor may have prescribed Norvasc for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Norvasc has been prescribed for you.
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
Before you take Norvasc
When you must not take it
Do not take Norvasc if:
you have ever had an allergic reaction to Norvasc or similar medicines. These contain medicines called felodipine (Plendil ER, Agon SR, Felodur ER), or nifedipine (Adalat, Adalat Oros, Nifecard, Nifedipine-BC, Nifehexal, Nyefax, SBPA Nifedipine. {Not all brands are given}. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Norvasc may include a skin rash similar to hives, itchiness, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Norvasc is not recommended for use in children as there have been no studies of its effects in children.
If you are not sure whether you should be taking Norvasc, talk to your doctor.
Do not take Norvasc if:
the packaging shows signs of tampering or does not look quite right
the expiry date marked on the packaging has passed, even though the tablets may look alright.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
Before you start to take it
You must tell your doctor if:
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Norvasc.
Medicines like Norvasc may affect the developing baby if you take it during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking Norvasc during pregnancy.
you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Norvasc when breastfeeding.
you are allergic to any foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
you have any health problems, including:
heart disease such as heart failure
liver problems
any other allergies.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Norvasc may interfere with each other.
Your doctor or pharmacist has a complete list of medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Norvasc.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about these things, tell them before you start taking Norvasc.
How to take Norvasc
Take Norvasc exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
The usual dose of Norvasc is one 5mg tablet each day. Your doctor may increase this to one 10mg tablet each day.
However, depending on your condition and how you react to the medicine, your doctor may ask you to take some other dose.
How to take it
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Try to take your tablet at about the same time each day, either morning or evening.
Taking your tablet at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you to remember when to take it.
Norvasc can be taken with or without food.
How long to take it
Norvasc helps control your condition, but does not cure it. Therefore, you must take Norvasc every day. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a dose and remember in less than 12 hours, take it straight away, then continue as normal the next day. Otherwise, skip that day's dose but be sure to take the next day's dose when it is due.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre - the telephone number in Australia is 131 126 and in New Zealand is 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766 - or go to Accident and Emergency (Casualty) at your nearest hospital if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Norvasc. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too many tablets, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint and have an irregular heart beat.
While you are using it
Things you must do
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Norvasc.
If your are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Norvasc.
If you become pregnant while taking Norvasc tell your doctor immediately.
Things you must not do
Do not use Norvasc to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Norvasc affects you.
Norvasc may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people and affect alertness.
If this occurs, do not drive, operate machinery or do things that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
If you are 65 years or older, you should be especially careful while taking Norvasc. Report any side effects promptly to your doctor.
Some people in this age group may be more likely to experience side effects such as swelling of the feet and ankles, muscle cramps and dizziness.
Things that would be helpful for your high blood pressure or angina.
Some self-help measures suggested below may assist your condition. Talk to your doctor about these for more information:
Weight-your doctor may suggest losing some weight. Some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.
Exercise-regular exercise helps lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart. It is important not to overdo it. Before commencing regular exercise you should consult your doctor who will suggest the most suitable exercise for you. If you feel uncomfortable when exercising or experience symptoms such as unusual chest pain or breathlessness see you doctor.
Diet-eat a healthy low-fat diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish. Also eat less fat and sugar. Again, some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.
Alcohol-your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Salt-your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt at the table or in cooking.
Smoking-your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least cut down.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Norvasc.
Norvasc helps most people but it may have some unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the possible list of side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Tell your doctor if you experience:
swelling of the ankles, feet, face or hands
headache
flushing
rapid heart beat
tiredness
drowsiness or sleepiness
stomach pain or nausea.
These are the more common side effects of Norvasc.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:
muscle cramps or aches
sexual problems
swollen gums
constipation
weight gain
sleeplessness
feeling nervous, depressed or moody
changes in vision or sight
loss or thinning of hair
ringing in the ears.
These may or may not be due to Norvasc but you should tell your doctor if they worry you.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
changes in heart beat
chest pain
dizziness
shortness of breath
symptoms of allergy such as skin rash
symptoms of liver disease such as itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark coloured urine.
These may be serious side effects that may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not yet known.
If you notice any other symptoms that worry you, check with your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand anything in this list.
After taking Norvasc
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. If you take your tablets out of the pack they will not keep as well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where temperatures stay below 30°C.
Do not store Norvasc or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave your medicines on a window sill or in the car on hot days.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep Norvasc where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Norvasc, or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Norvasc is available as "emerald"-shaped tablets in two strengths:
Norvasc 5mg - white, scored and marked NVC/5 on one side and Pfizer on the other.
Norvasc 10mg - white, scored and marked NVC/10 on one side and Pfizer on the other.
A box contains 30 tablets.
Ingredients
Active ingredients
Norvasc 5mg Tablets contain amlodipine besylate equivalent to amlodipine 5mg.
Norvasc 10mg Tablets contain amlodipine besylate equivalent to amlodipine 10mg.
Other ingredients
microcrystalline cellulose
calcium hydrogen phosphate
sodium starch glycollate
magnesium stearate
Norvasc does not contain gluten, sugar or lactose.
