Diovan HCT is a drug known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker-antagonist or ARB, which is indicated in the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. It contains the generic ARB valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide; that is, a diuretic that eliminates excess fluid from the body, which aids in reducing blood pressure. One should not take Diovan HCT if pregnant, according to Druglib.com, because it can cause injury or death to a fetus. The drug has several common side effects.
Headaches and Vertigo
This drug tends to be well-tolerated, and Drugs.com states that the overall frequency of side effects is not related to age, dose, gender or race. However, during clinical trials, 2.3 percent of participants in the treatment group who were taking this medication discontinued it due to headaches and dizziness associated with this drug. If these symptoms are experienced during the initial phase of beginning this drug regimen, lying down periodically and/or taking an over-the-counter analgesic approved by the doctor may alleviate them. Noticeable side effects frequently are experienced when one starts a new drug, but they tend to be temporary and resolve as the body adjusts to the new drug. If lying down occasionally does not help and the symptoms persist or get worse, contact the prescribing physician, because headaches and dizziness also may be symptoms of blood pressure changes.
Hypokalemia
Another common adverse reaction associated with this medication is low serum potassium levels or hypokalemia. According to eMedTv.com, hypokalemia occurred in up to 3 percent of clinical trial participants on this medication. It is likely that the prescribing physician will monitor potassium levels in order to prevent this. Patients taking this drug should ask their doctors about the likelihood of hypokalemia.
Nasopharyngitis and Cold Symptoms
The pharmaceutical website Novartis.com states that the only common adverse effect to occur in controlled clinical trials in at least 2 percent of the participants who were taking this drug was nasopharyngitis. This usually occurs in the presence of other cold or flu-like symptoms: nasal congestion or sinusitis, a sore throat and cough, an upper respiratory infection or bronchitis with shortness of breath. The prescribing physician needs to be notified if such symptoms begin to appear.
Gastrointestinal Distress
The digestive tract is often affected when a patient starts a new medication. Druglib.com states that any of the following may develop: heartburn, stomach pain, nausea with or without vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and notify their doctors.
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