Valsartan (Diovan) – What You Need To Know

Brand Name: Diovan

What is Valsartan (Diovan) ?

The Information about Valsartan (Diovan) contained herein is a compilation of materials available from drugs.com and simplified for the average consumer.

Angiotensin II is a natural substance in your body that narrows your blood vessels, releases a hormone that increases the amount of sodium and water in your body, and can also thicken and stiffen the walls of your blood vessels and heart.

Valsartan also known by the brand name Diovan is an Angiotensin II receptor blocker, which helps to stop this damage within the blood vessels.

There are drug free alternatives to lowering your blood pressure that may be effective for you. Read about them here.

How to use Valsartan (Diovan)

Take Valsartan (Diovan) with or without food as prescribed on your medication bottle. Do not take more or less or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Valsartan (Diovan) comes with an extra leaflet. Discuss this information with your pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you have trouble taking pills, talk to your doctor about a liquid option.
Take Valsartan (Diovan) every day at the same time.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not double your dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Valsartan (Diovan) .

What to know before using Valsartan (Diovan) :

If any of the following conditions apply to you, DO NOT TAKE Valsartan (Diovan) :

Diabetics and those with kidney problems should not use Valsartan (Diovan) with any medication that contains Aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

you are allergic to any ingredient in Valsartan (Diovan)
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
If you are a child with with kidney problems or are on dialysis.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, discuss with your doctor before taking or changing your dosage of Valsartan (Diovan) :

You are taking any medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements
Allergies to medicine, foods, or other substances
A history of angioedema of any kind
A history of heart problems, blood vessel problems, blood flow problems, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or gallbladder problems
A history of stroke or recent heart attack
You are dehydrated or have low blood volume
Have electrolyte problems or are on a low-salt (sodium) diet
On dialysis
Taking any another medicine for blood pressure or heart problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Valsartan (Diovan) . Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics
ACE inhibitors
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Other blood pressure medications
Cyclosporine, Rifamycins (rifampin), or Ritonavir
Lithium

This list may not be complete. Speak with your doctor if you are going to take or change your dose of Telmisartan (Micardis).

Side effects of Valsartan (Diovan) :

Discuss with your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

Bloody urine
cold sweats
confusion
decreased frequency or amount of urine
difficult breathing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying position
fainting
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nausea
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
weight gain
Chills
fever
hoarseness
sore throat
swelling of the mouth, hands, or feet
trouble with swallowing or breathing (sudden)
Dark urine
general tiredness and weakness
light-colored stools
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
yellow eyes and skin

Less serious side effects include:

Abdominal or stomach pain
back pain
blurred vision
cold or flu-like symptoms
coughing
diarrhea
difficulty with moving
headache
muscle pain or stiffness
pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
Hair loss
thinning of the hair

The information about Valsartan (Diovan) comes from drugs.com

Valsartan (Diovan) Natural Alternatives:

If you are taking Valsartan (Diovan) or other Angiotensin II receptor blockers, the various ingredients in Tikva have been proven through either clinical trials or other research to lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating (widening) the arteries. Tikva has several natural ingredients that help to widen the arteries, so they do not become too narrow.

Several of the ingredients in Tikva can also increase circulation, dissolve plaque that is already in the arteries and reduce new plaque from forming. In addition, there are ingredients in Tikva to help reduce stress that often increases blood pressure without all of the side effects.

Read more about the natural ingredients in Tikva on our research and ingredients page, by clicking here.