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Diovan HCT Consumer Information

DIOVAN HCT

Generic Name: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (val SAR tan and hye droe klor oh THYE a zide)

Brand Names: Diovan HCT

What is the most important information I should know about valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide?

• Do not take valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, valsartan can cause injury or even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

What is valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide?

• Valsartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It increases the amount of water and salt excreted in the urine and decreases edema (swelling).
• Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide?

• Do not take valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.
• Before taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you
• have diabetes;
• have gout;
• have a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus;
• have pancreatitis;
• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;
• have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke;
• are on a salt-restricted diet or have a high level of potassium in the blood; or
• are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others) or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
• You may not be able to take valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that valsartan is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, valsartan can cause injury and even death of the developing baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. It is not known whether valsartan passes into breast milk. Do not take valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide?

• Take valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication, your condition could become worse.
• Call your doctor before taking any more doses if you develop severe dizziness or fainting.
• Store valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide overdose are not well known but may include dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.
• Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Valsartan can affect potassium levels in the body.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
• Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. It is easy to become dangerously dehydrated while taking hydrochlorothiazide.