Diovan (valsartan) is a medication used primarily to control blood pressure (See References 1). Because of its mechanism of action, it also has diuretic properties. Diovan is also used cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure (See References 2). Diovan affects powerful hormones that control fluid balance in the body by altering kidney function. The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises caution when giving Diovan to patients with a history of kidney disease because of the potential to cause kidney failure (See References 1).
General Adverse Reactions
Patients taking Diovan (valsartan) may experience hypersensitivity reactions to any of the drug components (See References 1). Rash, itching, swelling and any other signs of allergic reactions should be reported to a physician immediately.
The NIH indicates that a commonly reported side effect was asthenia (generalized weakness) (See References 1). Although side effects were not shown to be dose dependent (See References 1), titrating to the lowest possible therapeutic dose may help alleviate asthenia.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Diovan (valsartan) may cause headache and dizziness in some patients (See References 2). Other central nervous system (CNS) Diovan side effects include feelings of anxiety, difficulty sleeping, numbness and tingling, and in some cases, drowsiness (See References 1). Vertigo and syncope (passing out) have also been reported after post marketing studies (See References 1). These symptoms caused some patients to discontinue using Diovan (See References 1). CNS effects may be greater if Diovan is causing postural hypotension, which is a significant drop in blood pressure with position changes.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Side Effects
Diovan (valsartan) is reported to cause chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and palpitations in some patients (See References 1). The occurrence of these side effects should be reported to a physician. Patients taking Diovan reported cough, upper respiratory tract infections, rhinitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis (swelling in the pharynx) (See References 1).
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Diovan may cause nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea in some patients (See References 1). If these symptoms are persistent or severe, see a doctor. Other gastrointestinal side effects reported are dry mouth, flatulence and constipation (See References 1).
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Diovan (valsartan) may cause muscle pain, back pain and cramps (See References 1). These side effects may be related to alterations in electrolyte balance. For example, in some instances, patients experienced hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) (See References 1). Patients should report these adverse reactions to a physician. Patients should also have lab work to monitor liver function, kidney function and electrolyte balance (See References 2).
References
- The National Institute of Health Daily Med Sheet
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010.
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