Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Diovan

Generic Name: valsartan (Pronunciation: val SAR tan)

• What is valsartan (Diovan)?
• What are the possible side effects of valsartan (Diovan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about valsartan (Diovan)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valsartan (Diovan)?
• How should I take valsartan (Diovan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Diovan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Diovan)?
• What should I avoid while taking valsartan (Diovan)?
• What other drugs will affect valsartan (Diovan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is valsartan (Diovan)?

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). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Valsartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diovan 160 mg tab

egg, orange, imprinted with NVR, DX

Diovan 320 mg

egg, purple, imprinted with DXL, NVR

Diovan 40 mg tab

round, yellow, imprinted with NVR, DO

Diovan 80 mg tab

egg, red, imprinted with NVR, DV

What are the possible side effects of valsartan (Diovan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• swelling, weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
• back pain;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• dry mouth, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• mild itching, skin rash;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• headache, dizziness, anxiety;
• tired feeling;
• weakness; or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Valsartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to valsartan.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of valsartan.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking valsartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.