Exval-H 80/12.5mg Tablets

Valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide treats high blood pressure in adults when one medicine on its own has not controlled it well enough.

• Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It blocks a hormone that tightens blood vessels, helping them relax.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water tablet) that increases the amount of urine you pass, which also lowers blood pressure.

Combining the two gives better control. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney damage.

Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, usually once a day at the same time, often in the morning.

• You can take it with or without food. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, unless your next dose is nearly due. Do not take a double dose.
• Do not stop taking it or change the dose without talking to your doctor, as your blood pressure may rise again.
• Keep your check-ups even if you feel well. Your doctor may check your kidneys and blood salts.

Possible side effects include:

• dizziness or light-headedness, especially on standing
• tiredness, cough or blurred vision
• thirst, dry mouth and other signs of dehydration
• muscle pain, tingling or ringing in the ears
• low potassium or sodium in the blood, raised uric acid (which can trigger gout)

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, tongue or throat, hives or trouble breathing or swallowing
• a severe rash with blistering or peeling skin
• sudden loss of vision or eye pain
• fever, sore throat and frequent infections
• severe breathlessness with fever, weakness or confusion

Do not take it if you are allergic to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide or sulfonamide medicines, have severe liver or kidney disease, cannot pass urine, have gout, or have diabetes or kidney problems and take aliskiren.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have had skin cancer, lupus, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart, liver or kidney problems
• have had angioedema (sudden swelling) with any medicine
• have vomiting or diarrhoea
• take lithium, digoxin, other blood pressure medicines, potassium supplements or salt substitutes, NSAIDs, steroids or diabetes medicines

Store below 30°C and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pregnancy: not recommended in early pregnancy and must not be taken after the first 3 months, as it can seriously harm the baby. Speak to your doctor straight away if you think you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding: not recommended, especially for newborn or premature babies.

Sun: protect your skin from sun and UV light. Long-term hydrochlorothiazide use may raise the risk of some skin and lip cancers.

Alcohol and driving: alcohol can make dizziness worse. Know how the medicine affects you before driving.