The following information is a summary about Diovan. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Diovan medication prescribed?
Diovan/Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure. Diovan blocks the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.
This Diovan medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Diovan pharmacist for more Diovan information.
How should this Diovan medicine be used?
Diovan/Valsartan comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Diovan is usually taken once a day. Follow the Diovan directions on your Diovan prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Diovan pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Diovan/valsartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Diovan or take Diovan more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Diovan/Valsartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take Diovan/valsartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Diovan/valsartan without talking to your doctor.
What special Diovan dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What special Diovan precautions should I follow?
Before taking Diovan/valsartan,
- tell your doctor and Diovan pharmacist if you are allergic to Diovan/valsartan, candesartan (Atacand), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), irbesartan (Avapro), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), losartan (Cozaar), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), sulfas, telmisartan (Micardis), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially barbiturates; cholestyramine (Questran); colestipol (Colestid); diuretics (''water pills''); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], naproxen [Naprosyn, Aleve], and others); other medications for high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease or diabetes.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Diovan/valsartan.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Diovan/valsartan will affect you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this Diovan drug.
Diovan Side Effects
Although side effects from Diovan/valsartan are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Diovan symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- congestion
- cough
- diarrhea
- trouble sleeping
- headache
- muscle aches
- fever
- sore throat
- runny nose
- excessive tiredness
If you experience any of the following Diovan symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- rash
What other Diovan information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Diovan.
Do not let anyone else take your Diovan medication. Ask your Diovan pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Diovan prescription.
Other uses for this Diovan medicine
This Diovan medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Diovan information.
What storage conditions are needed for Diovan?
Keep Diovan in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Diovan at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Diovan medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Diovan medication.
What should I do if I forget a Diovan dose?
Take the missed Diovan dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Diovan dose, skip the missed Diovan dose and continue your regular Diovan dosing schedule. Do not take a double Diovan dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of Diovan emergency/overdose
In case of Diovan overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
