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What is Diovan
 Diovan
is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Diovan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels
(veins and arteries).
Diovan
is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart
failure.
Diovan
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Diovan
Do not take Diovan if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy, Diovan can cause injury and
even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately
if you think you might be pregnant.
Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Diovan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower
blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while
taking Diovan.
What you should find out before taking
Diovan
Before taking Diovan, tell your doctor if you
-
have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
-
are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium
in your blood; or
- are taking a potassium supplement
(e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others) or a potassium-sparing diuretic
such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide,
Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
You may
not be able to take Diovan, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
Diovan is
in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known
to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second
and third trimesters of pregnancy, Diovan can cause injury
and even death to the developing baby. Do not take Diovan
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Diovan passes into breast
milk. Do not take Diovan without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Diovan Take Diovan exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take Diovan
with a full glass of water.
Diovan can be taken with
or without food.
Do not stop taking Diovan without
first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking the medication,
your condition could become worse.
Your doctor may
want to monitor your blood pressure or perform other tests
periodically during treatment with Diovan.
Store
Diovan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Diovan overdose are not well known but may include
dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.
Avoid while taking Diovan Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Diovan may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when
rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol
cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and
increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Diovan.
Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements
without first talking to your doctor. Diovan can affect
potassium levels in the body.
Possible side effects of this drug If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Diovan and call your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment.
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
- little
or no urine.
Other less serious side effects may
be more likely to occur. Continue to take Diovan and talk
to your doctor if you experience
- diarrhea or upset
stomach,
- dizziness or headache,
- insomnia,
or
- congestion or cough (very unlikely).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Diovan Before taking Diovan, tell your doctor if you
-
take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and
others;
- take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water
pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone),
or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or
-
use a salt substitute.
Diovan can affect potassium
levels in the body. You may not be able to take Diovan,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat
high blood pressure or another heart condition. Diovan may
cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other
heart medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Diovan
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products. |
