Generic name:valsartan [ val-SAR-tan ]
Drug class:Angiotensin receptor blockers
What is Diovan?
Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Diovan is also used in adults to treat heart failure and lower your risk of needing to be hospitalized, and to lower your risk of death after a heart attack.
Warnings
Do not use Diovan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not take Diovanwith any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking Diovan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
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 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan.
To make sure Diovan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a heart condition other than one being treated with Diovan;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
if you are on a low-salt diet.
Do not use Diovan if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor...
