Diovan, the brand name for valsartan, is classed as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. The medication is prescribed for people with high blood pressure and, according to MedlinePlus, for heart failure in patients who can't use angiotensin-converting enzyme, ACE, inhibitors. Dosage tends to be lower for the treatment of elevated blood pressure than for those with heart failure. Diovan relaxes blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. The medication is relatively safe, but some side effects do occur.
Use During Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding
Diovan can cause fetal death. Taken in the second and third trimester, neonatal injury such as reversible or irreversible renal failure, skull hypoplasia, hypotension and death have occurred. Premature birth has also been reported. In those patients who are taking Diovan and become pregnant, an alternative medication should be found immediately. Diovan should not be taken when breast-feeding.
Common Side Effects
Drugwatch lists the following as the most common side effects: fatigue, flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, increased levels of potassium in the blood, rash, joint pain and cough. Although the effect of Diovan on the renin-angiotensin system appears to be similar in both black and white patients, it is less effective in low-renin hypertensives, such as can be found frequently in black patients. Those on diuretics prior to commencing Diovan may experience hypotension upon initial treatment. If any effects become severe, a physician should be notified.
Serious Side Effects
Although rare, MedlinePlus warns that patients should seek a physician's help immediately if they experience swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, lower legs, ankles or feet; hoarseness; fainting; or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Diovan can increase blood pressure in those who take medications for sinus, colds, asthma, cough or weight loss. Renal impairment, acute renal failure or death has been seen in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, unilateral renal artery stenosis due to a solitary kidney, or severe congestive heart failure. In individuals with liver disease, care should be taken as Diovan is mainly excreted in the bile. Theoretical concern exists for those with valvular stenosis as a change in coronary perfusion might occur due to a decrease in afterload reduction.
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