Valsartan

ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS – ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Diovan, Micardis, Teveten

WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.

USES: This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to treat congestive heart failure or to prevent diabetic kidney problems.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication by mouth as prescribed, and learn proper usage. Consult your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you do not feel sick. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.

SIDE EFFECTS: Infrequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever, major change in the amount of urine eliminated. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, daibetes, allergies (especially drug allergies). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel dizzy. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including:

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat or dizziness.

NOTES: Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects. Learn how to monitor your pulse and blood pressure. Talk to your health care professional about this.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.