What is this medicine?
VALSARTAN (val SAR tan) is used to treat high blood pressure. This drug is also used to treat patients with heart failure and patients who have had a heart attack.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 10/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Diovan 160MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$81.94 or 90/$224.47 |
| Diovan 320MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$124.59 or 90/$317.65 |
| Diovan 40MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$65.1 or 90/$186.31 |
| Diovan 80MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$80.81 or 90/$218.87 |
| Diovan HCT 160-12.5MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$92.43 or 90/$253.09 |
| Diovan HCT 160-25MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$102.35 or 90/$292.73 |
| Diovan HCT 320-12.5MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$105.5 or 90/$315.38 |
| Diovan HCT 320-25MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$129.08 or 90/$363.65 |
| Diovan HCT 80-12.5MG Tablets | NOVARTIS | 30/$80.81 or 90/$220 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- confusion, dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells
- decreased amount of urine passed
- difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
- fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
- skin rash, itching
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- cough
- decreased sexual function
- headache
- nausea or stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- blood pressure medicines
- diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
- potassium salts or potassium supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to valsartan or any ingredient in the formulation.
- When valsartan is used in fixed combination with hydrochlorothiazide or amlodipine, consider contraindications associated with the concomitant agent.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- heart failure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
Even though you may feel better you should not stop taking your high blood pressure medication without first checking with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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