Valturna Warnings and Precautions

Valturna has been known to cause problems such as low blood pressure and dangerous swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. Other warnings and precautions with Valturna apply to people with kidney disease, heart problems, or high blood potassium. Women who are pregnant should not take this medication, nor should anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients used to make Valturna.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Valturna® (aliskiren and valsartan), talk to your healthcare provider if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver problems, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Heart problems, especially congestive heart failure (CHF) or a recent heart attack
  • High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)
  • Any allergies, including to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Precautions and Warnings With Valturna

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Valturna include the following:
 
 
  • Pregnant women should not take this drug. Medications like Valturna have been shown to cause serious problems when used during pregnancy (see Valturna and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • Valturna can cause angioedema, a life-threatening reaction involving swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. If you experience such symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

 

  • Sweating, dehydration (which could occur if you do not drink enough fluids), vomiting, and diarrhea could cause your blood pressure to lower to unsafe levels while taking Valturna. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and let your healthcare provider know if you develop these symptoms. In addition, any of these conditions, as well as taking a diuretic ("water pill"), may increase the risk of kidney failure due to this medication. 

 

  • Just like all blood pressure medications, Valturna may sometimes cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Let your healthcare provider know if you develop signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

 

  • This medication may cause a decrease in kidney function, especially in people who are elderly, have kidney disease, have severe congestive heart failure (CHF), or are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your kidney function with a blood test while you are taking Valturna. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a decrease in urination or swelling in your hands, legs, ankles, or feet, which can be signs of kidney problems. 

 

  • Make sure your healthcare provider knows if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems before you take this medicine. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor you more closely, and in some situations, Valturna may not be the best choice for you.
     
  • In rare cases, Valturna causes high blood potassium (hyperkalemia). However, this may be more common if you already have elevated potassium levels or if you take certain medications that also increase potassium levels (see Valturna Interactions for more information).
     
  • It is not known whether Valturna passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Valturna and Breastfeeding).
     
Valturna Warnings and Precautions Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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