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Diovan, |valsartan

valsartan

Generic Name: valsartan (val SAR tan)
Brand Names: Diovan

What is valsartan?

Valsartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure. It is also used to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.

Valsartan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about valsartan?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valsartan?

Before using valsartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use valsartan, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I take valsartan?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a valsartan overdose may include fast or slow heartbeat, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking valsartan?

Valsartan side effects

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• urinating less than usual, or not at all;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Keep taking valsartan and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• headache, dizziness;

• joint or muscle pain;

• upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, gas;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or

• dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect valsartan?

Before taking valsartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• any other blood pressure medications; or

• a diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use valsartan, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect valsartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about valsartan written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Valsartan is available with a prescription under the brand name Diovan. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Diovan 80 mg-pale red, almond-shaped tablets

• Diovan 160 mg-grey-orange, almond-shaped tablets

• Diovan 320 mg-dark greyish violet, almond-shaped tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children. Never share your medicines with others and only use this medication for the condition prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.