Do not use Diovan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not take Diovanwith any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking Diovan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
In rare cases, Diovan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan.
To make sure Diovan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a heart condition other than one being treated with Diovan;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
if you are on a low-salt diet.
Do not use Diovan if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Diovan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.
How should I take Diovan?
Take Diovan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Take Diovan at the same time(s) each day, with or without food.
For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid. If your child switches from Diovan tablets to liquid, the dose will not be the same.
Shake the liquid for 10 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Valsartan doses are based on weight in children and/or teenagers. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Diovan.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.
Store Diovan tablets or liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid after 30 days.
The liquid may be stored for up to 75 days if kept in a refrigerator.
Keep Diovan liquid in the original glass bottle, tightly closed when not in use.
