Diovan
® (
valsartan) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short.
Diovan is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Uses of Diovan include:
Diovan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers.
As you might expect, it blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking its effects, Diovan causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
Because of these effects, the medication also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these effects are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
A
blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the
systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the
diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Diovan, systolic
blood pressure decreased by 6 to 9 mmHg, on average, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3 to 6 mmHg on average. Certain factors, such as dose, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
For people with
congestive heart failure, the effects of the medication on the heart and blood vessels have been shown to decrease hospitalizations and loss of life.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Diovan include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
- Diovan may be taken with or without food.
- Your Diovan dosage should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Diovan will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Diovan your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your weight (for children)
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking
- How you respond to the drug.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Diovan. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
- Infection with a virus, such as the common cold or flu
- Dizziness
- An increase in blood potassium levels
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Extremely low blood pressure
- Diarrhea.
(Click Diovan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Diovan can potentially interact with a number of medicines
(see Diovan Interactions for more information).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Diovan?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug if you have:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Gallstones or other gallbladder problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to other angiotensin II receptor blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Diovan may have overdose symptoms that can include an extremely low
blood pressure or an increased heart rate.
If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Diovan Be Stored?
Diovan should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Diovan as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose!
Diovan tablets are available in several strengths, including:
- Diovan 40 mg
- Diovan 80 mg
- Diovan 160 mg
- Diovan 320 mg.
Diovan is not currently available in generic form
(see Generic Diovan for more information).
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