Diovan

Diovan 160 mg is commonly used to treat conditions related to the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and to help improve survival after a heart attack. It works by helping more blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Most people have no problems with Diovan 160 mg, but side effects can include cough, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Diovan

What is Diovan?

Diovan 160 mg is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Diovan 160 mg is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure. It is also used to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.

Diovan 160 mg may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diovan

Do not use Diovan without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Diovan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using
Diovan 160 mg and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to valsartan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Diovan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Diovan, unless your doctor has told you to.

To be sure Diovan is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, Diovan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Before taking Diovan

You should not use Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan.

Before using Diovan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• congestive heart failure; or

• if you are dehydrated.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. Diovan can cause harm to an unborn baby. Diovan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use Diovan 160 mg without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Diovan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.