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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking aliskiren and valsartan (Valturna)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren (Tekturna) or valsartan (Diovan), or if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or itraconazole (Sporanox).

To make sure you can safely take aliskiren and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
• congestive heart failure;
• heart disease or recent heart attack; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aliskiren and valsartan could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether aliskiren and valsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take aliskiren and valsartan (Valturna)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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

Take aliskiren and valsartan with a full glass of water.

You may take aliskiren and valsartan with or without food, but take it the same way every time.

If you take aliskiren and valsartan with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren and valsartan.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren and valsartan. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure improves. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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