Diovan (Valsartan)

Common uses

This medicine is an angiotensin ii receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver or kidney disease. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Diovan provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store Diovan at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of Diovan, take it as soon as possible. If you are only taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Diovan. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Before using any potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. For women: use of Diovan during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Diovan.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, headaches, abdominal/stomach pain, and unusual tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very low blood pressure, very fast or very slow heartbeat.

Additional information

Do not share Diovan with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Diovan for other health conditions. Keep Diovan out of the reach of children. If using Diovan for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Diovan. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.