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Description
What is Diovan used for?
Diovan is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. High blood pressure is also known as hypertension; it adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. This medication is also prescribed for those with congestive heart failure or as a preventive step if you have already had a heart attack; it reduces hospitalizations in patients with congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure can develop as a result of damage to your heart from a previous heart attack or other cardiac conditions. Any damage to your heart muscle is permanent and you may require long-term medication.
You can buy Diovan (Valsartan) online at My Drug Center. We also have the Diovan generic, called Valsartan, available for purchase as well.
How does Diovan work?
Diovan is available as tablets for oral administration. It contains the active ingredient Valsartan, which belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The Valsartan dosage in the medication works by blocking the action of angiotensin, which relaxes the blood vessels. By doing this, the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart is increased and blood pressure is lowered as a result.
Directions
Before taking Diovan or the Valsartan generic, read all the instructions and paper work that given to you by your pharmacist. Take your Diovan dosage orally once a day. Make sure you take it at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of the Valsartan dosage in your system. This medication should be taken on a regular basis to have optimal results. The Diovan dosage that you take will depend on your condition and your age. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Cautions
This medication may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking Diovan. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to liver disease, severe loss of body water, mineral or salt imbalances. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions or unwanted side effects of Valsartan.
This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
While taking Diovan you may feel dizzy, drowsy or experience blurred vision. Alcohol and Cannabis can exasperate these side effects. Avoid operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle, or performing other dangerous activities until you know how Diovan affects you. The drug can cause sleepiness and may worsen your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. Additionally you can speak with your doctor about acceptable limits for these substances while taking Diovan.
Side Effects
Some common Diovan side effects include:
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, flu symptoms, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, cold symptoms (cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat), sinusitis, nausea, stomach pain, swelling, blurred vision, itching or skin rash, back pain, and joint pain.
Some serious Diovan side effects include:
Chest pain, fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath, weight loss, vomiting, and swelling of the skin, most often around the lips and eyes.
If any side effects of Valsartan become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.
FAQs
What is Valsartan?
Valsartan is the active ingredient that makes up Diovan, a brand-name medication. Valsartan is also the name of the generic alternative for Diovan. Valsartan (Diovan) was first approved for medical use in 1996; it has since grown to be a popular medication, with more than nine million prescriptions sold, it was the 85th most prescribed medication in the United States in 2017. In the form of Diovan, Valsartan is taken by mouth as an oral tablet where it is then (very minimally; less than 10%) metabolized by the liver and excreted primarily through bile and partially by the kidneys with a half-life of about 6 hours. Valsartan (Diovan) can only be purchased with a valid prescription, available at My Drug Center as the brand and the generic in 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg.
What is Valsartan used for?
Valsartan is used as a treatment for both high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Hypertension is a long-term condition that causes the heart to have to work harder due to the high pressure of blood against artery walls. Hypertension can cause multiple complications if left untreated, such as damage to the arteries, heart, kidneys, and eyes. This may result in conditions such as aneurysm, angina, arrhythmia, stroke, kidney failure, nerve or retina damage, and can also cause sexual dysfunction in both men and woman, among others. Additionally, untreated high blood pressure can also lead to heart failure, another condition treatable with Valsartan. Heart failure can occur over time as hypertension weakens the heart muscle which results in an insufficient amount of blood pumping. Heart failure can also cause many complications which can be avoided with proper treatment. Additionally, Valsartan may be used to help reduce the risk of death in patients with left ventricular dysfunction as a result of a heart attack.
How does Valsartan work?
Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs); it works by allowing easier blood flow by relaxing and widening the arteries. It prevents the actions of angiotensin type two, the peptide hormone which causes vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels) and increases blood pressure. Valsartan acts directly on the angiotensin type 1 receptors by binding to them, acting as an antagonist. By blocking the actions of this hormone, you are also preventing it from constricting blood vessels and thus reducing blood pressure.
What are the side effects of Valsartan?
Some common side effects of Valsartan include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, flu symptoms, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, cold symptoms (cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat), sinusitis, nausea, stomach pain, swelling, blurred vision, itching or skin rash, back pain, and joint pain. You likely will not experience all of the listed side effects, but you may experience a select few of them. Keep in mind, side effects are a normal response of the body when taking a new medication and should not alarm you. If they do not go away over time or become unmanageable, you should consult with your doctor. There may also be other side effects not listed here.
Who makes Diovan?
Novartis is the company that manufactures Diovan, the brand-name form of Valsartan. Novartis was founded in March of 1996 when two Swiss companies (Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz Laboratories) merged together. The Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company, Novartis, is based in Basel, Switzerland but is majority owned by American shareholders. They also manufacture many other medications you may have heard of, such as Gleevec, Lamisil, Exjade, and Ritalin. They began marketing Diovan in 1996.
How long does it take for Valsartan to work?
After administration, it will take about 4-5 hours for the medication to begin working towards your blood pressure. However, keep in mind, like many other medications, Valsartan takes time to improve your condition; it may take 2-4 weeks for Valsartan to show noticeable improvement. It may be hard to tell when the medication has begun to work due to the often minimal symptoms present in patients with high blood pressure. Your doctor will likely require check-ups throughout treatment to monitor your blood pressure and ensure the medication is working.
Why is Diovan so expensive?
Diovan is not covered by most medicare plans thereby making Diovan an expensive medication for many patients. There may also be additional reasons as to why the medication is commonly high-priced however, the price of medication can vary and can often be found for a more reasonable price when purchased internationally. Compared to United States pharmacies, the prices for many medications – such as Diovan – are significantly lower around the world. For example, a generic supply of Diovan containing 84 tablets of 40mg would cost you $64.00 when purchased internationally through My Drug Center; this same supply, in the United States, has an average retail price that is more than 13 times as much for the brand and 4.5 times as much for the generic.
What type of medicine is Diovan?
Diovan is an antihypertensive drug belonging to the drug class called angiotensin receptor blockers or ARBs. ARBs were formally known as angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonists and may also be referred to as Angiotensin II receptor blockers, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, or AT1 receptor antagonists. Medications belonging to this class are similar in the way they work; angiotensin receptor blockers work by blocking the action of angiotensin II (a potent and natural chemical) by interfering with the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1). Examples of other ARBs include Cozaar (Losartan), Avapro (Irbesartan), Benicar (Olmesartan), and Micardis (Telmisartan).
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