Diovan HCT

The active ingredients in Diovan HCT are valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, a thiazide diuretic). Valsartan relaxes your blood vessels, and HCTZ helps control urination to control the volume of blood in your body. These ingredients work in different mechanisms to lower blood pressure and therefore can be used together.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Diovan HCT. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Diovan HCT:

-Take your Diovan HCT tablet at the same time each day.

-You may take the tablet with or without food, but it should be taken consistently with regard to food.

-Your doctor may adjust the dose until your blood pressure targets are reached.

-In the event of a missed dose, do not take an extra dose. Take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time.

Some mild and common side effects of Diovan HCT seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

-Low blood pressure (hypotension). This may lead to dizziness or feeling lightheaded. This can be indicative of too high a dose of Diovan HCT.

-Headaches.

-Nasopharyngitis (sore throat and sinuses, or signs of the common cold).

-Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach.

-Fatigue.

-Swelling of the ankles.

-Back pain, muscle pain, joint pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Diovan HCT. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Agioedema: swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips. This may cause difficulty breathing. Stop taking Diovan-HCT immediately and do not rechallenge.

-Difficulty breathing of any type. This may be caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome.

-Dry mouth, excessive thirst, lethargy, drowsiness, muscle cramps or spasms. These may be signs of electrolyte imbalances.

-Sudden vision changes, vision loss, or vision problems.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Diovan HCT. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Diovan HCT may make you more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Make sure you wear broad spectrum sunscreen.

Before starting Diovan HCT, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

-Liver or kidney problems.

-Gout. HCTZ may cause increases in uric acid (hyperuricemia) and precipitate gout attacks.

-Had heart problems like heart failure or a heart attack.

-Eye conditons or vision problems including glaucoma.

-Previously experienced acute respiratory distress syndrome after taking HCTZ or another thiazide diuretic.

-Asthma or other respiratory conditions.

-Lupus.

-Had an allergic reaction to other medications used to treat high blood pressure, or to penicillin.

-Diabetes. Diovan HCT may affect your blood sugar control.

Boxed Warning

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan may cause death of a fetus and are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Diovan HCT should not be used in:

-People who have had allergic reactions to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, other sulfonamide-derived (sulfa) medications, or any inactive ingredient of the formulation.

-Have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

-Children. The safety in people younger than 18 years of age is not known.

-People with severe kidney disease or anuria (if you cannot urinate).

-Pregnant or breastfeeding people.

-People with electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

The maximal blood-pressure-lowering effects of a specific dose of Diovan HCT can be seen 2-4 weeks after starting treatment

When Diovan HCT is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

-ACE inhibitors like enalapril or lisinopril

-Other blood-pressure-lowering drugs, including diuretics (water pills)

-Aliskiren-containing medications

-Medications that may increase potassium levels (ie spironolactone, NSAIDs, Septra)

-Lithium

-Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen: these may increase the risk of renal side effects

-Medications affecting the OATP1B1 transporter (ie rifampin, cyclosporine)

-Barbiturates or narcotics

-Amantadine

-Amphotericin B

-Anticancer drugs like cyclophosphamide and methotrexate

-Bile sequestrants like cholestyramine or colestipol

-Carbamazepine

-Digoxin

-Domperidone or metoclopramide

-Gout medications like allopurinol

-SSRIs like citalopram or sertraline

-Vitamins and supplements containing Calcium

Diovan HCT is available in tablets containing 80mg/12.5mg, 160mg/12.5mg, 160 mg/25 mg 320mg/12.5mg and 320mg/25mg of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

Diovan HCT tablets can be stored at room temperature, out of the reach of children.

Diovan HCT is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

Yes, generic versions of the brand-name Diovan HCT are available.

Diovan HCT is used to treat hypertension, which is a chronic condition. It is intended for long-term use. Take Diovan HCT as your doctor has prescribe

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan may cause harm to the unborn baby and are contraindicated in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

HCTZ is secreted into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.