Diovan

Information on Diovan

Tablets
Chemical Name: VALSARTAN (val-SAR-tan)

Common uses
This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: This medicine may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnanct, contact your doctor immediately. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you have liver or kidney disease. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If you are only taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Before using any potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: USE OF THIS MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Women of child-bearing age should discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine with their doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, headaches, abdominal/stomach pain, and unusual tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very low blood pressure, very fast or very slow heartbeat.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.