What is Diovan used for?
VALSARTAN is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. This drug is also used to treat patients with heart failures and patients with prior heart attack history.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Diovan?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- heart failure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Diovan should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. It should never be taken more often than prescribed.
Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of use of this medicine by children. While it is possible to prescribe this drug for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, certain precautions should be applied.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Diovan?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Diovan with the other medicine/food/etc?
- blood pressure medicines
- diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
- potassium salts or potassium supplements
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Diovan?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Inquire with your doctor or health care professional regarding what your blood pressure should be and under what circumstances you should contact them. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.
Female patients should inform their doctor if they are planning to become pregnant during the treatment course or think that they might be already pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Refer to your health care professional or pharmacist for more details on the issue.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
Does Diovan have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- confusion, dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells
- decreased amount of urine passed
- difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
- fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pains
- skin rash, itching
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- cough
- decreased sexual function
- headache
- nausea or stomach pain
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Diovan?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep your medicine container tightly closed and protect it from moisture. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.