Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System RAS Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function including acute renal failure compared to monotherapy. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain any additional benefit compared to monotherapy [see Clinical Trials]. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors.
Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on Diovan and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not coadminister aliskiren with Diovan in patients with diabetes.
Lithium Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including Diovan. Monitor serum lithium levels during concomitant use. Clinical Laboratory Test Findings In controlled clinical trials, clinically important changes in standard laboratory parameters were rarely associated with administration of Diovan.
Creatinine Minor elevations in creatinine occurred in 0. In post- myocardial infarction patients, doubling of serum creatinine was observed in 4. One valsartan patient discontinued treatment for microcytic anemia. Neutropenia Neutropenia was observed in 1. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension , renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Diovan as soon as possible [see Use In Specific Populations].
Hypotension Excessive hypotension was rarely seen 0. This condition should be corrected prior to administration of Diovan, or the treatment should start under close medical supervision. Caution should be observed when initiating therapy in patients with heart failure or post-myocardial infarction patients.
Patients with heart failure or post- myocardial infarction patients given Diovan commonly have some reduction in blood pressure, but discontinuation of therapy because of continuing symptomatic hypotension usually is not necessary when dosing instructions are followed. In controlled trials in heart failure patients, the incidence of hypotension in valsartan-treated patients was 5.
If excessive hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the supine position and, if necessary, given an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further treatment, which usually can be continued without difficulty once the blood pressure has stabilized. Impaired Renal Function Changes in renal function including acute renal failure can be caused by drugs that inhibit the reninangiotensin system and by diuretics.
Patients whose renal function may depend in part on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system e. Monitor renal function periodically in these patients. Hyperkalemia Some patients with heart failure have developed increases in potassium. These effects are usually minor and transient, and they are more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Pregnancy Female patients of childbearing age should be told about the consequences of exposure to Diovan during pregnancy. Discuss treatment options with women planning to become pregnant. Patients should be asked to report pregnancies to their physicians as soon as possible. These doses in mice and rats are about 2. Mutagenicity assays did not reveal any valsartan-related effects at either the gene or chromosome level. These assays included bacterial mutagenicity tests with Salmonella Ames and E coli; a gene mutation test with Chinese hamster V79 cells; a cytogenetic test with Chinese hamster ovary cells; and a rat micronucleus test.
Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Pregnancy Category D Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death.
Let your doctor know if you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages daily. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects if you are taking Diovan.
Until you know how you will react to Diovan you should avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position, as you may experience dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall, especially when you first begin your treatment with Diovan. You need to be aware that certain conditions can cause low blood pressure, and make the effects of Diovan more pronounced for you. Tell your doctor right away if you experience diarrhea, heart disease, intense sweating, vomiting, dialysis, or if you are on a low salt diet or taking diuretics water pills.
You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following: You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first. Directions for Taking Diovan You should take Diovan exactly how your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Diovan in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended.
Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
You may take valsartan with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. If a child taking valsartan cannot swallow a capsule whole, your pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid. Shake this liquid well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Diovan valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions.
The most common side effects with Diovan are dizziness, and increased kidney function blood tests. Other side effects with Diovan include hepatitis inflammation of the liver. The prescribing information for Diovan states to use with caution in patients with liver dysfunction. Does Diovan really cause hair loss and weight gain?
I suffer from both. Diovan valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat hypertension high blood pressure , and it can cause weight gain, but does not list hair loss as a side effect. If the hair loss started around the time the medication was started, and there are no other new circumstances, you may want to report the side effect.
Other common side effects from Diovan valsartan may include dry mouth, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, insomnia, headache, dizziness, anxiety, tiredness, back pain, weakness, or impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Diovan valsartan. My doctor prescribed Diovan mg for my high blood pressure. Is there a generic brand that is similar to Diovan, as Diovan is very expensive? Diovan valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by keeping the blood vessels open making it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body. There are currently no generic forms of Diovan available.
The manufacturer has exclusive rights to the patent through There are other angiotensin II receptor blockers available and losartan brand name Cozaar is available generically. What medications interact Diovan? ARBs work by keeping blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
There are many possible drug interactions with Diovan. Consult your pharmacist or physician if you take, or are thinking of taking any other prescription or over the counter medications while on Diovan.
Diovan can increase your potassium level. Therefore, any medications that also raise potassium levels can be a problem. Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and some diuretic medications can raise your potassium level. Many medications that affect the nervous system such as sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, and muscle relaxants can lower blood pressure.
Medications that lower blood pressure may cause your blood pressure to drop too low if taken with Diovan. This is not a complete list of possible interactions with Diovan. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, as well as the foods you eat. Burton Dunaway, PharmD Q: Can it cause me to be unsteady? Diovan valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
It works by preventing the blood vessels from narrowing and improving blood flow. Common side effects of Diovan include dry mouth, cough, nausea, and diarrhea. Furthermore, headaches and dizziness were the most common side effects that caused patients to discontinue using Diovan.
You should also consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Valsartan Diovan is a prescription blood pressure medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker ARB. Grapefruit does not appear to interact with Diovan metabolism based on the prescribing information. Take Diovan and all other medications exactly as prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Do not stop using any medication or change your dose without first talking to your doctor, Follow the directions on your prescription label. Could my blood pressure medication be making my hair fall out? According to the package insert for Diovan HCT, hair loss has been reported as a side effect of the medication. The side effect was reported in postmarketing experience. Post-marketing experiences are side effects that are reported after a medication is available to the general population.
Therefore, there cannot be a definite relationship made between the medication and the hair loss, because side effects are reported voluntarily and in an uncertain population size. It's important to consult with your physician or health care provider about any specific questions regarding your medical conditions or medications; particularly before taking any action.
Kristen Dore, PharmD Q: I have high blood pressure and was on Verapamil for years and was told to avoid coffee because of this medication. I now take Diovan. Is it safe to have 2 cups of coffee a day with this? If you drink coffee with Diovan, it should be decaffeinated. Caffeine can raise your blood pressure, which the Diovan is being used to control.
Caffeine could also increase your heart rate. When seeing your health care provider, ask about your coffee intake. Also avoid any OTC products or herbals that contain caffeine. Ask your pharmacist about any OTC products before taking with the Diovan. Does Diovan HCT cause hair loss? There have been reports from other patients that there have been issues with thinning hair, as well as hair loss. It seems that if there is an existing problem with hair loss, it is much more likely that people will notice Diovan valsartan having an effect.
The exact mechanism by which this occurs is not clear and there is no specific remedy for this particular issue. If you feel that it is significantly affecting your quality of life, you may consider consulting with your prescriber to see whether an alternate medication may be used.
For other information on Diovan, please visit our page: Is it safe to take a calcium and magnesium supplement with high blood pressure medication Diovan? If so, should it be taken before or after the Diovan is taken? It is always a good idea to check with one's health care provider in matters like this. Please consult your health care provider for guidance in your specific case.
What is its generic equivalent? Diovan valsartan is in the class of medications called angiotension II receptor blockers ARBs , used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Diovan works by preventing the blood vessels from narrowing, thus improving blood flow. Diovan is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic version from being manufactured.
The first patent for Diovan expires in , so that year is the earliest that a generic version of Diovan could become available. However, there are other circumstances patents for specific Diovan uses, lawsuits, etc. Once Diovan goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Diovan drug.
My mother is taking Diovan for high blood pressure. Her doctor recently doubled her dose, even though her blood pressure was in the normal range. Since then she has developed a very dry, hacking cough. Could this be from the medication?
She also take metformin for diabetes. What is the best and most similar alternative? That is too bad that your insurance will not cover your medication. Unfortunately Diovan HCT is not available in generic form and that is probably the reason why the insurance does not cover it. There is a medication in the same class that came out as a generic in the past few months.
Perhaps you can try asking your doctor about this medication and maybe they will switch you to this cheaper alternative. Megan Uehara, PharmD Q: Can Diovan HCT cause eye problems? In doing a search of the information available, it looks like it could be possible, but I was unable to find out how probable it was. When I looked at the references for just the water pill part of the medicine HCT I found a reference to possible blurred vision and possible yellow hued vision.
Again, neither listed a percentage of patients experiencing this or the probability that one would experience these side effects. I would definitely consult with my physician and see if these might be medication related or due to another underlying condition. I'm having terrible nightmares lately. Could this be a side effect of the Diovan I've been taking? There are no reports of nightmares among patients taking Diovan valsartan. However, you are encouraged to report any negative side effects of prescription drugs to your health care practitioner and to the Food and Drug Administration FDA by visiting www.
For more specific information about your nightmares, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. I feel better when I don't take Diovan. It makes me feel sick to my stomach. Is there a reason for this? Is the strength too much?
The strength is mg.
Visit your doctor regularly, does diovan 40mg look like. Diovan is in FDA pregnancy category D. AUC and Cmax values of valsartan increase linearly and are almost doe with increasing dose over the clinical dosing range 40 diovan mg twice a day. Should I take them when I remember, or wait until 40mg correct time the next day? You may need to take Diovan on a long-term basis for the treatment of high blood pressure. Side effects associated with Diovan include drowsiness, lightheadedness, headache or sometimes blurred vision. Jen Marsico, RPh Q: Caffeine can raise your blood pressure, hydrocodone cancer treatments diovan Diovan is being used to control. Does taking Diovan for blood pressure over a period of 10 or more years have an adverse effect on your kidneys or other parts of the body? As your blood pressure lowers, your physician may choose to change your dosage to 40mg and like 40mg discontinue the med. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your look medications and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary does, vitamins, botanicals, minerals and herbals, as well as foods you eat.
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