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Diovan

(valsartan)

In this factsheet:
• How does Diovan work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Diovan?
• What form(s) does Diovan come in?
• Who should NOT take Diovan?
• What side effects are possible with Diovan?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Diovan?
• What other drugs could interact with Diovan?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Diovan work? What will it do for me?

Valsartan belongs to a family of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers. These medications are used to lower mild-to-moderate high blood pressure. Valsartan is also be used to treat chronic heart failure or to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack in people who cannot use another type of medication called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

Angiotensin II is a chemical that the body releases to cause the constriction of blood vessels. Valsartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, resulting in the relaxation of the blood vessels. This relaxation causes the blood pressure to drop. The full effects of valsartan are usually seen within 4 weeks. Valsartan may be used alone or in combination with a diuretic (water pill).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Diovan?

To treat high blood pressure, the recommended adult dose of valsartan is 80 mg once daily. Reductions in blood pressure are often seen within 2 weeks, and the full effects on blood pressure are seen in about 4 weeks. Your doctor may recommend a dose increase if your blood pressure remains too high. A diuretic may also be added to help reduce the blood pressure.

To treat heart failure, the recommended starting dose is 40 mg twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 160 mg twice daily.

After a heart attack, the recommended starting dose of valsartan is 20 mg twice daily. Your doctor may increase the dose slowly over 1 to 2 weeks to a target dosage of 160 mg twice daily if tolerated.

Valsartan may be taken with or without food, but it should be taken in the same manner each day.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and away from moisture.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Diovan come in?

40 mg
Each yellow, ovaloid, scored on one side, slightly convex tablet with bevelled edges, debossed on one side with "DO" and with "NVR" on the other side, contains valsartan 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

80 mg
Each pale red, round shaped tablet with bevelled edges, debossed with "DV" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains valsartan 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

160 mg
Each grey orange, ovaloid shaped tablet with bevelled edges, debossed with "DX" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains valsartan 160 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

320 mg
Each dark grey-violet, ovaloid shaped tablet with bevelled edges, debossed with "DXL" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains valsartan 320 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Diovan?

Valsartan should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to valsartan or to any of the ingredients of this medication
• is pregnant

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