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Diovan (Valsartan) is used for:
Diovan tablets and capsules contain the active ingredient Valsartan, Diovan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Diovan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries). Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure and to reduce cardiovascular death in certain heart attack survivors. Diovan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Diovan can be taken with or without food. Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure. Diovan is being studied for use in patients with congestive heart failure. Diovan is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare.
Diovan HCT contains a combination of Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide but, unlike Diovan, is only indicated for hypertension, not for CHF or post-MI. Diovan belongs to a group of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and is similar to losartan (Cozaar). Diovan blocks the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Diovan is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Diovan information.
Diovan may also reduce hospitalizations in patients with congestive heart failure. Diovan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Diovan blocks the ability of angiotensin II to constrict or squeeze arteries and veins, thereby reducing blood pressure and reducing the pressure in the arteries that the heart must pump against.
Do Not use Diovan (Valsartan) if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Diovan (Valsartan)
- you are past your first trimester of pregnancy
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Diovan (Valsartan):
Some medical conditions may interact with Valsartan. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding,
- if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement,
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances,
- if you have dehydration or low blood sodium, or kidney or liver problems,
- if you have heart failure or you have had a heart attack
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Diovan (Valsartan). Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride) and potassium supplements because high blood potassium levels may occur and cause listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of limbs, slowed heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, or stopping of the heart when used with Valsartan
- Lithium because its actions and side effects may be increased by Valsartan
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Diovan (Valsartan) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Diovan (Valsartan):
Use Valsartan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Valsartan by mouth, with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Take Valsartan on the regular schedule to get the most benefits from it.
- If you miss dose of Valsartan, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal dosage schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Diovan (Valsartan) at once.
Ask your doctor for any questions you may have about how to use Diovan (Valsartan).
Important safety information:
- Valsartan may cause dizziness and drowsiness. These effects can be worse if alcohol or take certain medications. Valsartan Use with caution. Do not drive or perform other tasks, possibly unsafe until you know how you react to it.
- Valsartan may cause light-headedness or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit or stand and slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie on the first sign of any of these effects.
- Patients, who take medicine for high blood pressure, often feel tired or run down a few weeks after the start of therapy. Be sure to take your medicines, even if you cannot feel "normal". Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms during the Therapy.
- Consult with your doctor before using salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- Valsartan should not be used in children, as safety and efficacy in children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Do not take Valsartan after the third month of pregnancy. It can cause injury or death of the foetus. If you become pregnant, please consult a doctor immediately. It is not known if Valsartan is found in breast milk. If you are, or will not be breast-feeding while you are using Valsartan, consult your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your child.
Potential side effects of Valsartan:
All drugs can cause side effects, but many people do not have, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of the most common side effects persist during the treatment. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur
Back pain; cough; diarrhoea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; nausea; runny nose; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling; tiredness; upper respiratory tract infection; viral infection. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased urination; fainting; irregular heartbeat; muscle pain; severe or persistent dizziness.
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