Diovan

The active ingredient in Diovan is valsartan, which belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Valsartan works to lower blood pressure by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.

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. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Diovan:

• Whether you eat or not, take the medication at the same time every day.
• You can dissolve a tablet into a liquid for a child who has trouble swallowing it whole.
• The dose for pediatric patients is based on their weight. If your child's weight changes, their dosage may also change.
• It will be necessary to monitor your blood pressure frequently. You might also need to have your kidney function examined.
• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, or if you are perspiring more than normal, call your doctor. Dehydration is a common side effect of using Diovan.
• Diovan may be given with other standard post-heart attack treatments, including thrombolytics, aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins.

The most common side effects of Diovan seen in clinical trials include:

• Dizziness.
• Viral infections.
• Stomach pain.
• Tiredness.
• Cough or sore throat.
• Lightheadedness.
• Back pain.

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

• Serious kidney problems and kidney failure include unexpected weight gain, edema in your hands, ankles, or feet, and less frequent than usual urination.
• Nausea, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, fatigue, muscle weakness, and tingling or numbness are all signs of elevated blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
• Symptoms of extremely low blood pressure (hypotension), such as fatigue, disorientation, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
• Allergic reactions or angioedema with symptoms such as hives, skin rash, and swelling of the face or throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Diovan. 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.

Before starting Diovan, 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 any of the following apply:

• You have a valsartan allergy, you should avoid using Diovan.
• Avoid using Diovan with any medications that contain the blood pressure medication Aliskiren if you have diabetes.
• You have renal impairment or kidney disease, or you're receiving dialysis.
• You have an underlying cardiac problem that Diovan is not treating.
• You follow a diet low in salt.
• You have liver disease.
• You take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes.

Boxed Warning

• You should discontinue Diovan immediately if you become pregnant. Drugs like Diovan that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to your fetus.

• You should not take Diovan with aliskiren (Tekturna) if you have diabetes (high blood sugar). You should also avoid Diovan if you are pregnant.

Before your blood pressure is under control, it could take two to four weeks. Even if you feel good, continue taking Diovan if you have high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent.

Other drugs, lifestyle modifications, food, and exercise may also be part of your treatment. Pay close attention to your doctor's recommendations.

When Diovan 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:

• Lithium.
• Cyclosporine.
• Ritonavir.
• Rifamycin, rifabutin, rifampin, and rifapentine.
• A "water pill" or diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin, among others.
• Magnesium.
• ACE inhibitors such as captopril and lisinopril.

Diovan comes in dosage forms such as an oral tablet and liquid.

Tablets:

Adults

High blood pressure: 80 mg or 160 mg tablet taken orally once daily is the usual starting dosage. 320 mg once daily is the maximum dosage.

Heart failure: 40 mg taken orally twice daily is the usual first dosage. Divided into smaller dosages throughout the day, the daily maximum dosage is 320 mg.

Heart attack: 20 mg taken orally twice a day is the usual first dosage. Your HCP may increase your dosage to 40 mg twice daily after a week. 160 mg twice a day is the maximum dosage.

Children, ages one to sixteen years of age.

High blood pressure: The dosage will be determined by your child's pediatrician using their body weight. Usually, a starting dose of 1 mg/kg (up to 40 mg) is taken orally once a day. The daily maximum dosage is 4 mg/kg, or up to 160 mg.

Diovan liquid: There are 4 mg of valsartan in every 1 mL of solution.

Adults

High blood pressure: 40 mg or 80 mg taken orally twice daily is the first dosage. 320 mg daily is the maximum dosage.

Heart failure: 40 mg taken orally twice daily is the first dosage.

Heart attack: 20 mg taken orally twice daily is the first dosage. Your HCP may increase your dosage to 40 mg twice daily after a week. 160 mg twice a day is the maximum dosage.

Children (6–16 years old)

High blood pressure: The initial dosage is oral 0.65 mg/kg twice daily, with a daily maximum of 40 mg.

Take the medication as soon as you can if you miss a dose, but if your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store Diovan at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Novartis is the company that manufactures Diovan.

There are lower-cost generic versions of Diovan available.

Never abruptly discontinue using this medication without first consulting your physician. Before stopping your medication entirely, your doctor could advise you to gradually cut back on how much you are taking. Abruptly stopping medication might exacerbate certain conditions, which can be risky.

If you are pregnant, do not use Diovan. If you become pregnant, stop taking the medication and notify your doctor immediately. If you use valsartan during your second or third trimester, it may harm or even kill your unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while taking Diovan as it could harm the infant by passing through the breast milk.