Diovan Film Coated Tablets 320mg Tablets

Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It relaxes and widens blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump.

It is used to:

• treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
• help treat heart failure

It is usually taken long term.

Take valsartan exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take it with water, with or without food, at the same time each day.
• If you miss a dose, just take the next dose as normal. Never take two doses to make up for it.
• Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
• Your doctor will check your blood pressure and do blood tests to see how your kidneys and potassium levels are doing.

If you become ill with vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating, you may get dehydrated and dizzy. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness
• headache
• tummy pain
• tiredness
• feeling or being sick

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a swollen throat or tongue, an itchy raised rash or trouble breathing (allergic reaction: call an ambulance)
• yellow skin or eyes, with feeling or being sick (liver problems)
• a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
• muscle weakness or twitching with a racing or skipping heartbeat (high potassium)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from another ARB
• have ever had angioedema (sudden swelling of the face, lips or throat)
• have severe heart failure, or liver or kidney problems
• have diabetes and take aliskiren
• take other blood pressure medicines (such as ACE inhibitors), diuretics like spironolactone, potassium supplements or potassium salt substitutes, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, or lithium

Keep tablets in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children. Liquid forms have a limited shelf life once made up; follow the label.

Pregnancy: do not take valsartan if you are pregnant. It can seriously harm or kill an unborn baby, especially in the later months. If you become pregnant, stop it and contact your doctor straight away.

Breastfeeding: it is not usually used. Your doctor may suggest another medicine.

Driving: wait until any dizziness or tiredness has passed.

Alcohol: limit alcohol, as it can add to dizziness and dehydration.