Buy Azor
Azor

2.3
A combination blood pressure medication used when a single drug is not enough to control hypertension.


Availability
In Stock
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Product Sheet

Alternative/Local Brand
Sevikar
Active Ingredient(s)
Olmesartan, Amlodipine
Primary Category
Heart & Blood Pressure, Hypertension Treatment
Therapeutic Class
Antihypertensives, Angiotensin II antagonists and calcium channel blockers
Pharmacological Class
ARB and Calcium Channel Blocker combination
Indications
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Contraindications
Pregnancy, Severe liver or kidney disease, Diabetes patients taking Aliskiren
Minor Side Effects
Dizziness, Flushing, Fatigue
Moderate Side Effects
Oedema (ankle swelling), Palpitations, Orthostatic hypotension
Serious Side Effects
Angioedema, Kidney dysfunction, Severe diarrhoea (Spruelike enteropathy)
Dosage Forms
Tablet
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
This combination relaxes blood vessels in two ways: Olmesartan blocks a hormone that narrows vessels, while Amlodipine prevents calcium from entering vessel walls. Together they lower blood pressure effectively.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Daiichi Sankyo
Patient Summary
A combination blood pressure medication used when a single drug is not enough to control hypertension.
Onset Time
30-60 minutes
Duration
24 hours
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature
Drug Interactions
Lithium, Potassium supplements, NSAIDs
Age Restrictions
Adults over 18
Pregnancy Use
Contraindicated; can cause fetal injury
Alternative Drugs
Exforge, Twynsta

Azor: Combination Therapy for Hypertension

Azor is a prescription pill that combines two active ingredients-olmesartan and amlodipine. It belongs to the “Heart & Blood Pressure” therapeutic category and is available in a fixed-dose tablet containing 20 mg of olmesartan and 5 mg of amlodipine. In Hong Kong, Azor is classified as a prescription-only medication and is regulated by the Department of Health’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

How Azor Works in the Body

  • Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks the AT-1 receptors that normally bind angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. By preventing this binding, olmesartan promotes vasodilation, reduces peripheral resistance, and lowers blood pressure.
  • Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker. It inhibits calcium influx into vascular smooth-muscle cells, leading to relaxation of arterial walls and further reduction of blood pressure.
  • The two agents act on different pathways, providing a synergistic antihypertensive effect: the ARB counters the renin-angiotensin system while the calcium-channel blocker addresses vascular tone.
  • Onset of action for amlodipine is within 2-4 hours; olmesartan’s effect begins within 1-2 hours. Peak blood-pressure reduction typically occurs after 4-6 weeks of regular dosing.

Conditions Treated with Azor

Azor is FDA- and EMA-approved for the treatment of essential (primary) hypertension when monotherapy with either component alone does not achieve target blood-pressure goals. It is indicated for adult patients who require a combination of an ARB and a calcium-channel blocker to reach optimal control. In Hong Kong, the same indication applies under local prescribing guidelines.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses

Current peer-reviewed evidence does not support routine off-label use of Azor for conditions such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or migraine prophylaxis. Any consideration of off-label applications should be made only under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, with a clear discussion of potential risks and benefits.

Who Should Use Azor? Contraindications and Cautions

Absolute Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to olmesartan, amlodipine, or any excipients in the tablet.
  • Pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters) - ARBs can harm the fetus.
  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).

Relative Contraindications

  • Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) - dose adjustment may be needed.
  • Renal artery stenosis or severe renal dysfunction (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
  • Concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics or high-dose potassium supplements (potential hyperkalaemia).
  • Patients with a history of angio-edema related to any ARB.

Special Populations

  • Elderly: Start at the recommended dose; monitor for excessive blood-pressure reduction and peripheral edema.
  • Pregnancy & Lactation: Contraindicated; alternative antihypertensives should be selected.

Safety Profile: Side Effects and Interactions

Common Side Effects

  • Peripheral edema (especially of the ankles).
  • Dizziness or light-headedness.
  • Headache.
  • Flushing or warm sensation.
  • Fatigue.

These reactions are generally mild and often improve with continued therapy or dose adjustment.

Serious Adverse Events

  • Angio-edema: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that can compromise breathing; requires immediate medical attention.
  • Severe hypotension: Marked drop in blood pressure causing fainting or shock.
  • Elevated liver enzymes: Rare; monitor if patients exhibit jaundice or hepatic symptoms.

Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) can increase amlodipine plasma concentrations → higher risk of edema and hypotension.
  • Concurrent antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, other ARBs, diuretics) may produce additive blood-pressure lowering effects; monitor for symptomatic hypotension.
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone) or high-dose potassium supplements → increased serum potassium when combined with olmesartan.
  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can blunt the antihypertensive response of both components.
  • Lithium levels may rise when combined with an ARB; renal function and lithium levels should be checked regularly.

Food and Lifestyle Interactions

  • Azor can be taken with or without food; a high-fat meal does not significantly affect absorption.
  • Alcohol may enhance hypotensive effects; limit intake and avoid driving if dizziness occurs.
  • Grapefruit juice has minimal impact on amlodipine but is not recommended in large quantities due to unpredictable effects on other medications.

How to Take Azor

  • Standard dose: One tablet (20 mg olmesartan / 5 mg amlodipine) taken once daily.
  • Administration: Swallow the pill whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.
  • Timing: Most patients take Azor in the morning, but it may be taken at any consistent time each day.
  • Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose. Do not double up.
  • Overdose: Symptoms may include marked hypotension, dizziness, or fainting. Seek emergency medical care; supportive measures (intravenous fluids, vasopressors) are the mainstay of treatment.
  • Discontinuation: Abrupt cessation is generally safe, but patients should discuss any change with their prescriber, especially if blood pressure is not yet controlled.

Special Adjustments

  • Renal impairment: No dose reduction is needed for mild impairment, but monitor serum potassium and renal function.
  • Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; consider a lower starting dose if liver function is moderately compromised.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

  • Blood-pressure checks: Initially after 2 weeks, then monthly until stable, and at least every 3-6 months thereafter.
  • Electrolytes & renal function: Baseline and periodic (every 6-12 months) serum creatinine, eGFR, and potassium, especially if combined with diuretics.
  • Liver enzymes: Baseline and as clinically indicated, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease.

Patients should report new swelling, severe dizziness, or signs of angio-edema promptly.

Storage and Handling

  • Store Azor tablets at room temperature (15-30 °C), protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
  • Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.
  • Do not use the medication after the expiration date printed on the packaging.
  • Dispose of unused tablets according to local pharmacy-take-back programs or the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department guidelines.

Medication-Specific Glossary

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
A drug class that blocks the AT-1 receptors for angiotensin II, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.
Calcium-Channel Blocker (CCB)
Medications that inhibit calcium entry into vascular smooth-muscle cells, causing arterial relaxation and lowered blood pressure.
Synergistic Effect
When two drugs work together to produce a greater therapeutic outcome than the sum of their individual effects.
Peripheral Edema
Accumulation of fluid in the lower extremities, commonly seen with dihydropyridine CCBs.
Hyperkalaemia
Elevated potassium levels in the blood, a potential risk when ARBs are combined with potassium-sparing agents.

Medical Disclaimer

This article provides educational information about Azor and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including use for unapproved indications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The content is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical recommendations. Always consult a physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.

Azor FAQ

What makes Azor different from taking olmesartan and amlodipine separately?

Azor delivers a fixed 20 mg/5 mg combination in a single tablet, improving adherence by reducing pill burden. The pharmacodynamic synergy of the two agents offers more consistent blood-pressure control than either drug alone, especially in patients who need both mechanisms.

Can I take Azor if I have a history of liver disease?

Mild to moderate hepatic impairment requires careful monitoring, but the medication is not outright contraindicated. Severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C) is a contraindication. Your physician will assess liver function tests before prescribing.

Is it safe to use Azor while traveling internationally?

Yes, as long as you carry the prescription label and keep the tablets in their original container. Check the destination country’s import rules for prescription medicines; Hong Kong travelers typically need to declare medications exceeding a 30-day supply.

How long does it take for Azor to lower my blood pressure?

Initial reductions may be observed within a week, but the full antihypertensive effect often requires 4-6 weeks of consistent dosing. Regular monitoring helps determine when the target blood pressure is reached.

Will Azor interact with my over-the-counter antihistamine for allergies?

Most second-generation antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) have no clinically significant interaction with Azor. However, nasal decongestants containing pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and should be used with caution.

Can I switch from a different ARB/CCB combo to Azor without a washout period?

Transitioning is usually safe, but your doctor may adjust the dosage based on previous therapy to avoid excessive blood-pressure lowering. A brief overlap or temporary dose reduction may be recommended.

What should I do if I develop ankle swelling while on Azor?

Peripheral edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Inform your healthcare provider; they may reduce the amlodipine dose, add a diuretic, or consider an alternative regimen.

Is Azor compatible with the seasonal flu vaccine?

Yes, receiving the influenza vaccine does not interfere with Azor’s efficacy or safety. Continue your antihypertensive therapy as prescribed.

How does Azor affect kidney function monitoring?

Because olmesartan influences the renin-angiotensin system, regular checks of serum creatinine and potassium are advised, especially if you have chronic kidney disease or are taking diuretics.

Are there any lifestyle changes that enhance Azor’s effectiveness?

Adopting a low-sodium diet, regular aerobic exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can amplify blood-pressure control and may reduce the need for dose escalation.

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