If you are having high blood pressure or having risks after a heart failure, doctors usually prescribe Diovan.
The drug belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The drug helps to prevent the blood vessels from narrowing, which helps in the increased flow of blood.
Diovan can be taken in empty stomach or with food. While using Diovan, always follow your doctor’s prescription; do not take larger doses of the drug or less. After taking the drug for a few days, you may feel better. But this does not mean that you should have to stop the medication. Well, it may take about four weeks for your pressure to stabilise after taking the drug. If you feel that the symptoms have not improved even after four weeks, you should have to consult your doctor so that he may alter the dosage or the medication.
Take care that you do not miss any dosage. But if a dose is missed, take the missed dosage before the next scheduled medication. However, you can skip the missed one if it is almost time for taking your scheduled dosage. Never take two dosages at the same time. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Dizziness and fast/slow heartbeat are some of the symptoms of Diovan overdose.
Before the doctor prescribes Diovan, better discuss about all your medical conditions with him, which will help him to take a wise decision on the prescription. You should have to inform him if you have any specific allergies related to any medicine, food or any substance, including the ingredients of Diovan. Doctors will not prescribe Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan. Do not hide from your doctor if you have any serious diseases, including that of the liver, kidney or heart.
Diovan is rated FDA pregnancy category D, which shows that the drug can cause harm to the foetus. Pregnant women and those who hope to get pregnant should have to avoid the drug. If you are on Diovan medication, do not get pregnant. Breast-feeding women should only take Diovan after consulting the doctor.
While using Diovan, you should also be aware of the severe and the less serious side effects. Headache, runny nose, dry mouth, sore throat, back pain, constipation, stomach pain, itching, rashes, insomnia and dizziness are some of the lesser known side effects of diovan. If you come across chest pain, fast heartbeats, numbness, swelling ad weight gain, you should immediately contact your doctor.
In some patients, Diovan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. You should have to contact your doctor without any delay if you have muscle pain, tenderness, fever, vomiting and dark coloured urine.
Once your doctor prescribes Diovan, you should have to avoid alcohol as mixing the two can lead to lowering of the blood pressure, which can bring in many complications related to the heart. You should also avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes while taking Diovan.
