Diovan

Diovan is a drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure. Generic Diovan is sold under the name valsartan. Diovan is available in tablet form, with dosages ranging from 80 mg to 320 mg. Diovan is also available in a combination pill with the drug hydrochlorothiazide, under the name Diovan HCT. This combination drug is only for patients who have previously been treated with both drugs without experiencing adverse reactions, and with those patients whose condition was not controlled with Diovan therapy alone.

Side effects of Diovan include headache, muscle pain, and metallic taste in the mouth. Major side effects include fainting, rapid weight gain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). Side effects may be more pronounced in elderly patients, especially dizziness and fainting. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any major side effects or allergic reactions to Diovan. Notify your doctor if you experience any minor or unusual side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially kidney or liver disease, and about any other medications you are taking, to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. For example, taking Diovan and Prilosec together is not recommended. Diovan is a class "D" drug, so women who are nursing or pregnant should not take it. In pregnant women, Diovan can cause spontaneous abortion (commonly referred to as miscarriage), especially during the second and third trimesters. It is not known whether Diovan passes into breast milk, so nursing mothers should avoid the drug just to be safe.

Diovan must only be taken under a doctor's care, and should not be purchased without a prescription. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure regularly while you are taking Diovan. Your kidney function may also need to be checked often. It is important to take Diovan exactly as prescribed, as you can overdose on Diovan. Symptoms of overdose include very fast or very slow heartbeat, fainting, and dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have overdosed on Diovan. Do not stop taking Diovan without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.

The manufacturer of Diovan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, offers a patient assistance program for patients without prescription drug coverage who cannot afford to purchase the medication. U.S. residents who have no other prescription drug coverage and meet certain income guidelines are eligible for this program. Diovan users can also find online support from other users on Diovan healthboards on the Internet.