Diovan Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Hypertension

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition, which can develop over years and go undetected for long periods of time.

This condition is usually caused by narrowing of the arteries. When arteries are blocked, the heart pumps blood through them with more force, increasing blood pressure. If left untreated, hypertension can cause arterial damage, heart attack or stroke. Diovan helps to maintain normal blood pressure in adults and children at least six years old.

Heart failure

The heart pumps blood through the body, which is how oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the body’s cells. In people with heart failure, the heart muscle does not pump as well as it should and the cells are not nourished properly.

Symptoms of heart failure include tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty performing everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs. People with heart failure can still lead long and productive lives if they take the right kind of medication consistently and implement lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Diovan Active Ingredient

Generic Diovan Alternative: Diovan

The active ingredient in Diovan is called valsartan. It prevents blood vessels from narrowing which, in turn, improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.

Patients have a choice of buying brand name Diovan or generic alternatives. A number of safe, affordable generic alternatives to Diovan are available through our international online pharmacy.

General Drug Information

Diovan helps to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers – substances which relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

These substances also manage high blood pressure, help lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks, kidney problems and strokes. Diovan is also prescribed to extend the life of patients post-heart attack.

Usage and Application

Patients are usually prescribed Diovan once or twice daily. The dosage is based on the patient’s condition and the response to treatment. Doses for children are determined based on weight.

Patients using the liquid form of this medication should shake the bottle for at least ten seconds before administering a dose. It is important to use a medical measuring device in order to get the correct dose.

Avoid the use of household spoons. Patients must use Diovan regularly in order to experience its full benefit. It is advisable to take the medication at the same time each day, which reduces the risk of forgetting. Patients should continue taking Diovan even if they feel an improvement.

Considerations Before Taking Diovan

Patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Diovan or any medical history of liver disease with their doctor. They should also discuss conditions which can cause severe loss of fluids and minerals. Diovan can cause dizziness.

Therefore, patients should use caution when driving, using machinery, or performing activities requiring alertness until the effects of medication are known. It is important to limit the consumption of alcohol.

Diovan may increase levels of potassium in the body. Patients who use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium should mention this to their doctor before the start of treatment.

Patients who are about to undergo surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products they are taking.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy. It is not known whether Diovan passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Diovan should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Diovan

Drug interactions may change the way Diovan works and can increase the risk of negative side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. It is important to take the prescribed dose consistently.

Do not stop taking this medication unless advised by a physician. Patients should be aware that Diovan may interact negatively with some blood pressure medications like lithium (e.g.Lithane) as well as aliskiren (e.g. Tekturna).

Other medications that have negative interactions with Diovan include birth control pills containing drospirenone (which increase levels of potassium in the blood) and ACE inhibitors like benazepril (e.g. Lotensin) or lisinopril (e.g. Zestril).

Certain cough or cold products, diet pills, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can raise blood pressure or worsen heart failure. Patients should discuss the use of such products with their doctor.

Adverse Reactions

As their body adjusts to this medication, patients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness at the onset of therapy. It is recommended to get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Serious side effects include fainting as well as signs of elevated levels of potassium in the blood – muscle weakness and slow or irregular heartbeat.

In rare cases, Diovan may exacerbate kidney problems or cause new ones. It is important to monitor kidney condition while taking this medication. Patients should also monitor for signs of kidney problems such as changes in the amount of urine. Serious allergic reactions to Diovan are rare, yet patients should be aware of symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Diovan

Diovan tablets should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Diovan suspension may be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days, or up to 75 days at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) in the refrigerator.

Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets. Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet.

Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.