Product Details

Description

What is Valsartan used for?

Chemical Name VALSARTAN (val-SAR-tan)

DIOVAN is a prescription blood pressure (hypertension) medication that works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This helps reduce your blood pressure and the stress on your heart. DIOVAN can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Some physicians may prescribe DIOVAN to treat heart failure in patients that cannot take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medications.

Directions

DIOVAN should be used exactly as prescribed by your physician. Each patient may be prescribed a different amount depending on their condition. It is important to follow the prescription label instructions for safe use. Do not take in excess amounts, or for longer than recommended.

DIOVAN should be ingested daily with or without food at approximately the same time. Continue using this medication as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms so you may need to use blood pressure medication for an extended time period.

Results may take 2 to 4 weeks before patients notice their blood pressure is under control. Consult with your physician if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of use.

Cautions

Consult your physician before you start taking DIOVAN to see if it is the right medication for you. Inform your physician of any medications that you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription and/or herbal supplements.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to DIOVAN, valsartan or any other chemical contained in the medication
• have liver disease
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have kidney disease
• have experienced congestive heart failure
• are dehydrated

Side Effects

Every medication has side effects; however, it is rare that they may occur. Drug manufacturers are required to list all known side effects of their products. Patients can usually find the complete list of side effects with their medication. When side effects of necessary medication are severe, sometimes a second medication, lifestyle change, dietary change, or other measure may help to minimize them.

Some common side effects of DIOVAN are:

• dizziness
• headache
• excessive tiredness
• diarrhea or constipation
• anxiety
• insomnia
• runny or stuffed nose
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• back and joint pain
• impotence, a loss of interest in sexual activity or difficulty having an orgasm

Serious side effects of DIOVAN are:

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat
• numbness or a tingling sensation
• swelling
• weight gain
• breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, eventually leading to kidney failure
• muscle tenderness or weakness, especially in conjunction with fever
• nausea or vomiting
• dark colored urine

If any of these side effects occur, immediately consult your physician. This is not a complete list of side effects; and others may occur. Call your physician for medical advice about additional side effects.