Valsartan (By mouth)

Introduction

Valsartan (val-SAR-tan)

Treats high blood pressure and heart failure. A lower blood pressure will reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. May also prolong life after a heart attack. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker.

Brand Name(s)

Diovan

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you also use other medicines for high blood pressure (including atenolol, metoprolol, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Toprol®, Vasotec®, or Zestril®) or a diuretic or water pill (including amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Maxzide®, Midamor®, or Moduretic®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®), ritonavir (Norvir®), or NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, or Motrin®).
• Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby, especially after the first 3 months of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, or heart or blood vessel problems. Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated or if you have diarrhea or vomiting. Also tell your doctor if you are on dialysis.
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen when you begin to use the medicine or if you become dehydrated.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Even if you feel well, do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help lower it and keep it down. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you are given this medicine as a liquid, shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before you measure the dose. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the bottle of liquid at room temperature for up to 30 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 75 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088