DIOVAN

Who is Diovan for ?

Valsartan is used either alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses like heart failure or kidney problems caused by diabetes; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB. It is thought to help lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This narrowing of blood vessels due to angiotensin II hormone is an important component of high blood pressure. Blocking the hormone causes vessels to relax or dilate, and thus valsartan helps reduce blood pressure.

When should I be careful taking Diovan ?

Do not take valsartan if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking valsartan, call your doctor immediately.

Before taking valsartan,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to valsartan or any other drugs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics (?water pills?), other medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart disease.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking valsartan.

Side Effects

Although side effects from valsartan are not common, they can occur. Tell you doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• fatigue
• dry cough
• diarrhea
• muscle aches
• nausea
• upper respiratory infection

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash