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Diovan Consumer Information

DIOVAN

Generic Name: valsartan (val SAR tan)

Brand Names: Diovan

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

• Do not take valsartan if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, valsartan can cause injury and 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 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.

What is valsartan?

• Valsartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).
• Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.
• Valsartan 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?

• Before taking valsartan, tell your doctor if you
• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;
• are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your 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, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Valsartan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it 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 to the developing baby. Do not take valsartan if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether valsartan passes into breast milk. Do not take valsartan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take valsartan?

• Take valsartan 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 valsartan with a full glass of water.
• Valsartan can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking valsartan without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.
• Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure or perform other tests periodically during treatment with valsartan.
• Store valsartan 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 overdose are not well known but may include dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking valsartan?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valsartan 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.
• Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Valsartan can affect potassium levels in the body.