Diovan HCT is used alone or together with other medication to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension adds to the workload of the heart and arteries.
If this continues for an extended period of time, the heart and arteries may fail to work properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidneys, resulting in stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
This medication is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. This medication relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine. This helps to lower blood pressure.
This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription. This medication is available in the following forms:
Tablet
2 What to Know Before Using
Before using Diovan HCT, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: Up-to-date Pediatric Appropriate studies have not indicated any problems that would limit the use of this medication.
Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category D. This means that studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the unborn child. However, the benefits of this medication in a life-threatening situation or serious disease may outweigh the potential risk.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.
When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive. Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended.
Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
Aliskiren
Dofetilide
Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Using this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you.
If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in the case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Angioedema (an allergic reaction) with other blood pressure medicines (i.e. benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, Lotrel, Vasotec, Zestoretic, Zestril) - Use may cause this condition to reoccur.
Anuria (not able to create urine)
Diabetic patients who are also taking aliskiren (Tekturna)
Sulfa drug allergy - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Asthma - May increase likelihood of having an allergic reaction.
Congestive heart failure, severe - Use may lead to kidney problems.
Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides or fats in the blood)
Kidney disease, severe
Myopia (changes in the eyeball causing vision problems)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disorder) - Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
3 Proper Usage
Proper usage of Diovan HCT requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
This medication will not cure your hypertension, but it will help control it. You must continue to take this medication if you expect it to lower your blood pressure. You may have to take hypertension medication for the rest of your life.
This medication may be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time every day. If a child takes the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before giving a dose.
Dosing: Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Adults - 1 tablet once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. The dose is not normally more than 320mg of valsartan and 25mg of hydrochlorothiazide per day.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep our of the reach of children. Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Diovan HCT, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly.
Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor.
Using this medication while pregnant can harm your unborn child. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur after you take this medication, especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may lessen this problem. If you feel dizzy, lie back down so you do not faint. Sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness or lightheadedness from returning.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, difficulty reading, eye pain or any other change in vision while taking this medication. This could be signs of a serious eye treatment. Your doctor may want your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.
Inform your doctor immediately if you become sick while taking this medication, especially if you have severe and continuous nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and lead to hypotension (low blood pressure). You can also lose water by sweating, so it is important to drink plenty of water during exercise and hot weather.
This medication may affect blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients may notice a change in the results of blood or urine glucose tests. Inform your doctor if you have any questions. Ask your doctor before you use medications, supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
5 Potential Side Effects
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Diovan HCT. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
Increased sweating
Redness of the face or neck
Reduced sexual performance or drive
Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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