What is the most important information I should know about valsartan?
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not take valsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
What is valsartan?
Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 year old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Valsartan is also used in adults to treat heart failure and lower your risk of needing to be hospitalized, and to lower your risk of death after a heart attack.
Valsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valsartan?
You should not use valsartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not take valsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking valsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a heart condition other than one being treated with valsartan;
- if you are on a low-salt diet;
- liver disease; o
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
How should I take valsartan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the medicine your doctor prescribes.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for 10 seconds before you measure a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking valsartan.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Store the tablets or the oral suspension at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep valsartan oral suspension in the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include irregular heart rate or low blood pressure (feeling like you might pass out).
What should I avoid while taking valsartan?
Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
What are the possible side effects of valsartan?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- little or no urination; or
- high blood potassium --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.
Common side effects may include:
- high blood potassium;
- headache, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- cough, flu symptoms, tiredness;
- stomach pain, diarrhea;
- back pain, joint pain; or
- abnormal kidney test.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect valsartan?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- lithium;
- cyclosporine;
- ritonavir;
- an antibiotic --rifamycin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine;
- a diuretic or "water pill" or other heart or blood pressure medication; or
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect valsartan. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about valsartan.
