Brand Name

Diovan {Novartis}

Generic Name

valsartan, pronounced val SAR tan

 

What is Diovan?

Diovan is a medication to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure in adults and children over age 6. You may be prescribed Diovan to help treat heart failure, or to lower your risk of death if you have had a heart attack.

Diovan may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

 

Key Facts About Diovan

Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, which means that it helps your blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers your blood pressure and improves your blood flow.

Diovan is in FDA pregnancy category D. You should not use Diovan if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Diovan you should stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. Diovan may cause injury or death to an unborn baby if taken during your second or third trimester. You should be sure to use effective birth control while taking Diovan.

While you are taking Diovan you should not drink alcohol. Because drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure you may experience an increase in certain side effects of Diovan if you drink while taking it.

Unless your doctor has advised you to do so, you should not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Diovan

Continue to use Diovan as your doctor has directed, and be sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

You should be aware that in rare cases Diovan may cause a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to subsequent kidney failure. Tell your doctor immediately you have unexplained muscle tenderness, pain or weakness, particularly if you also have exhaustion, a fever and dark colored urine.

 

Before You Take Diovan

If you are allergic to Valsartan you should not take Diovan.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding you should not take Diovan.

You should inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease before taking Diovan.

If you suffer from dehydration you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Diovan.

Let your doctor know if you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages daily. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects if you are taking Diovan.

Until you know how you will react to Diovan you should avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position, as you may experience dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall, especially when you first begin your treatment with Diovan.

You need to be aware that certain conditions can cause low blood pressure, and make the effects of Diovan more pronounced for you. Tell your doctor right away if you experience diarrhea, heart disease, intense sweating, vomiting, dialysis, or if you are on a low salt diet or taking diuretics (water pills).

 

Diovan Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• aspirin
• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze)
• diuretics or water pills
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Diovan. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Diovan

You should take Diovan exactly how your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Diovan in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Diovan should be taken at the same time every day.

Diovan can be taken with or without food.

For children who are taking Diovan and cannot swallow the capsule whole there is an option for a liquid that your pharmacist can mix. Be sure to shake the liquid well and measure the dose for your child with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, and not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device your pharmacist can give one to you.

It may take between 2 and 4 weeks of treatment with Diovan for your blood pressure to become under control. It is important that you continue using Diovan as your doctor has directed you to. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

You may need to take Diovan on a long-term basis for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is important that you follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to be sure that Diovan is helping your condition and not causing you to have any adverse or harmful effects.

Diovan should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Diovan you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away you should skip the dose you missed.

 

Diovan Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Diovan and seek emergency medical help immediately.

• difficulty breathing
• feeling faint
• fever
• hives
• muscle pain or weakness
• nausea
• swelling, especially of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• urinary abnormalities, such as urinating less often or not at all, increased urinating, or extremely dark colored urine.
• vomiting

Less serious side effects of Diovan may include:

• back pain
• blurred vision
• cold symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or sore throat
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• exhaustion
• flu symptoms
• headache
• itching or rash
• mild muscle or joint pain
• mild nausea
• mild stomach pain

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Diovan. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Diovan Description and Dosing

Diovan is available as capsules for oral administration, which contain either 80mg or 160mg of valsartan.

The 80mg capsules are light grey and light pink opaque, and are imprinted with CG FZF.

The 160mg capsules are dark grey and light pink opaque, and are imprinted with CG GOG.

The recommended starting dose of Diovan is 80mg, once daily, if used as the only treatment for high blood pressure in patients.

Diovan may be prescribed in a range of doses between 80mg and 320mg, administered once daily. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose of Diovan for you.

All people taking Diovan should consult their doctor for specific dosing pertaining to them. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Diovan you should seek emergency help immediately.

 

Ingredients in Diovan

Diovan contains valsartan as the active ingredient. Other ingredients include cellulose compounds, crospovidone, gelatin, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

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