Information about Valsartan (Generic Diovan) :


Valsartan is in the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers. It effects by blocking a hormone that tightens blood vessels. This causes blood vessels to relax (dilate), which lowers blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart. It may also be used for the treatment of heart failure in patients who do not tolerate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

You should not use Valsartan in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in Valsartan; you are pregnant (second or third trimester).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Before using Valsartan:
Be aware that Valsartan may interact with some medical conditions. Consult with your doctor in case you have any medical conditions listed below: if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have dehydration or low blood sodium, or kidney or liver problems; if you have heart failure or you have had a heart attack.

Be aware that Valsartan may interact with some medicines. Consult with your doctor in case you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the next: Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) and potassium supplements because high blood potassium levels may occur and cause listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of limbs, slowed heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, or stopping of the heart when used with Valsartan; Lithium because its actions and side effects may be increased by Valsartan.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Valsartan:
Take this medicine as recommended by your doctor. Valsartan is to be taken orally with or without food. If stomach upset happens, take with food to decrease stomach irritation. Valsartan works better when taken regularly at the same time.

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then follow your usual schedule. Nevertheless, if it is near to the time for your next dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take a double dose.

Important safety information:
Valsartan may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, so be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. You should avoid such activities if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Sit up or stand slowly. Sit or lie down in case you experience these. Contact your doctor if you faint. Alcohol may increase such symptoms. Avoid taking alcohol and other medicines. Be careful when exercise or stay outside in hot weather.

You may feel tired or run down for a few weeks after the treatment is started if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Continue taking your medicine even if no symptoms bother you. Consult with your doctor if you suffer any symptom.
Do not use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it without medical consultation.

LAB TESTS, including blood pressure monitoring, may be performed to monitor your progress. Do not use Valsartan in CHILDREN; there is no reliable data about safety and effectiveness in children.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Stop taking Valsartan after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. Stop taking Valsartan as soon as possible if you become pregnant. There is no reliable data whether Valsartan passes into breast milk. You are not recommended to breast-feed when being treated with Valsartan.

Possible side effects of Valsartan:
Not everyone experience side effects, however consult with your doctor if you have any of the most COMMON side effects: back pain; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; nausea; runny nose; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling; tiredness; upper respiratory tract infection; viral infection.

Seek emergency if you experience any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased urination; fainting; irregular heartbeat; muscle pain; severe or persistent dizziness.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.