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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medication (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) > Diovan and Equivalent

Diovan (Valsartan) Information

Diovan, which contains the active ingredient valsartan, is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). It is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), used either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Diovan is also indicated for the treatment of heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) and to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in stable patients with left ventricular failure or dysfunction following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Valsartan is administered orally, typically once or twice daily.

The mechanism of action for valsartan involves blocking the potent vasoconstrictor hormone Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and stimulates the release of aldosterone, which causes the body to retain sodium and water. Valsartan works by selectively blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle, the kidney, and the adrenal glands. Valsartan is an active drug that does not require metabolic activation. By blocking the AT1 receptor, valsartan counteracts Angiotensin II's effects: it promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). It inhibits aldosterone secretion, promoting the excretion of sodium and water. These combined actions result in a sustained reduction in blood pressure and a reduction in morbidity and mortality in post-myocardial infarction and heart failure patients. Unlike ACE inhibitors, valsartan has a very low incidence of cough.

Diovan Side Effects

Diovan is generally well tolerated, but side effects related to its impact on blood pressure and the renin-angiotensin system may occur. Common side effects often reported include dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly (postural dizziness), headache, viral infection, and fatigue. In patients treated for heart failure or post-myocardial infarction, typical side effects also include hypotension (low blood pressure) and elevated blood creatinine levels.

However, more serious side effects can occur, leading to significant monitoring protocols. If any of the following symptoms are experienced, the patient should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Angioedema: A rare but severe and potentially life-threatening swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can impair breathing. This requires immediate emergency medical attention.
• Fetal Toxicity (Boxed Warning): Use during pregnancy is associated with significant harm to the developing fetus, including fetal death, hypotension, renal failure, and skull hypoplasia. The drug must be discontinued immediately upon confirmed pregnancy.
• Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): A significant elevation in serum potassium levels, especially in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics, requires immediate management.
• Renal Impairment/Failure: In patients whose kidney function is dependent on the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., those with bilateral renal artery stenosis), valsartan may cause acute kidney failure or worsening renal function.
• Symptomatic Hypotension: Excessive lowering of blood pressure, especially in patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., on high-dose diuretics), which may lead to fainting (syncope).

Diovan Precautions

Due to the risk of fetal harm, Diovan carries a Boxed Warning regarding use during pregnancy and must be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected. Women of childbearing age should be advised about the risks of use during pregnancy and discuss appropriate contraceptive use or alternative therapies if they are planning to become pregnant. It is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to valsartan or a history of angioedema related to previous ARB or ACE inhibitor therapy. Caution is advised when initiating therapy in volume-depleted patients (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics) or salt-depleted patients, as they are at a greater risk for symptomatic hypotension, which may require correction before starting the drug. The concurrent use of Diovan with the drug aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes or moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR less than 60 millilitres per minute). Patients with heart failure, renal impairment, or bilateral renal artery stenosis require careful and frequent monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium levels while on ARBs.

Do I need a prescription to order Diovan?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Diovan.