Diovan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Diovan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and
arteries).
Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart
failure.
How to use this product
Take Diovan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
Take Diovan with a full glass of water.
Diovan can be taken with or without food.
Do not stop taking Diovan without first talking to your doctor. If you
stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.
Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure or perform other
tests periodically during treatment with Diovan.
Store Diovan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
Diovan and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment.
. An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives), or little or no urine.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take Diovan and talk to your doctor if you experience:
Diarrhea or upset stomach, dizziness, headache, insomnia, congestion or cough (very unlikely).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Precautions
Before taking Diovan, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in
your blood. Or if you are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others) or
a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene
(Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
You may not be able to take Diovan, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Diovan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Diovan can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take Diovan if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Diovan passes into reast milk. Do not take Diovan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Before taking Diovan, tell your doctor if you
take a potassium, take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill),or
use a salt substitute.
Diovan can affect potassium levels in the body. You may not be able to take Diovan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high blood
pressure or another heart condition. Diovan may cause very low blood
pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Diovan or
affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
