General Info: Uses and Effects

Diovan Generic (Valsartan) is a prescription drug that is used to treat cases of congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. This medicine is taken orally and is an angiotensin receptor blocker. Valsartan is available under different brand names and can be gotten as Diovan in its generic form.

Diovan Valsartan functions by inhibiting the activities of angiotensin in the body. It does this by stimulating aldosterone and dwindling blood pressure. This drug can be used alone in the treatment of high blood pressure; it can also be combined with other medicines that are made use of in the treatment of hypertension and must not be made use of by anyone that is less than 18 years.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before taking this drug, it is expedient that you make your doctor or any other professional healthcare provider aware of your medical history as well as your current state of health. In addition to giving out information about your health history to your doctor, it is essential to make your doctor aware if you have any allergies. All this information will help your doctor determine if this drug is one that you should be taking. This drug is contraindicated in people with certain health and physical conditions, some of these conditions include:

Pregnancy

Diovan Generic is contraindicated for use in pregnant women. The simple reason for this is; drugs which have their actions on the renin-angiotensin system have a reputation for leading to the death of unborn babies. The adverse effects of Valsartan on pregnant women are even more pronounced in the second and third trimesters. This therefore makes it essential for expectant mothers, as well as those that suspect that they are pregnant to make their doctors aware of this before making use of this drug. If you are already taking this drug, then it is advised that you make use of contraceptives.

Breastfeeding

Diovan Valsartan is contraindicated for use in breastfeeding mothers, the reason for this is there is a tendency for this drug to slip into breast milk. When this happens, it could lead to a reduction in the blood pressure of the baby which is detrimental to your baby's health.

Other groups of people that should not make use of this medicine are individuals with renal impairment, renal artery stenosis, reduced volume of blood sodium, excessive amounts of blood potassium, liver problems, and more.

Instructions on Taking

The first thing that should be done if this drug must be taken appropriately is to carefully go through the information leaflet. It is also important to ask your pharmacist to explain any information that you do not understand. Assumptions could lead to this medicine being taken inappropriately. Now, while it is imperative to adhere to the instruction that is contained in the information leaflet, your doctor can state otherwise. In situations where your physician decides that you take this drug in a way that is not included in the information leaflet, you should follow your doctor's instruction.

Diovan Valsartan should be taken orally either just after a meal or on an empty stomach. This can either be done once a day or twice. When taking this drug in its liquid form, it is expedient that you shake the bottle for some seconds and take this drug with a measuring spoon.

Dosage

The dosage of Diovan Generic that should be taken is dependent on some factors, some of them include weight, response to treatment, and medical condition.

• Hypertension: When used in the treatment of hypertension, between 40mg to 80mg of this drug should be taken. Usually, the treatment is started with a dosage of 40mg and gradually increased to 80mg. If there is still no improvement after making use of 80mg of this drug, then the dose of Valsartan can be gradually increased to 320mg daily.
• Heart Failure: The dosage of this drug that should be taken for heart failure is 40mg for a start. This can be increased to 80mg and then 160mg.
• Post-Myocardial Infarction: This drug plays a vital role in bringing about a reduction in cardiovascular death in individuals experiencing left ventricular failure. The initial dosage of Valsartan that should be taken is 20mg, this is then increased to 40mg after about seven days and gradually increases to 160mg every day.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, then you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose of this drug, then the already missed dose should be skipped. In case of an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

Side Effects

Diovan Valsartan is associated with a lot of side effects. Some of these adverse reactions are very severe and will need to be treated immediately. However, there are quite a number of side effects that are associated with this drug which are not considered lethal. Some of the very serious side effects of this drug are:

• A reduction in the frequency of urinating or a complete lack of it;
• Loss of appetite;
• Unusual weight gain;
• Weak pulse;
• Muscle weakness;
• Slow heart rate;
• Vomiting;
• Shortage of breath.

Some of the less severe side effects of this drug include:

• Headache;
• Fatigue;
• Nausea;
• Back pain;
• Skin rash;
• Joint pain;
• Cough;
• Sneezing;
• Sore throat.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Before taking Diovan Generic, it is important to let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the other medicines that you are taking. That includes herbal mixtures, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and more. This is because certain drugs should not be taken at the same time as Valsartan. Some of these medicines are:

• Capoten;
• Lotensin;
• Aspirin along with all products that contain aspirin;
• Azulfidine.

It is also essential to avoid taking alcohol if you make use of this drug as alcohol can lead to a rise in blood pressure.