Diovan HCTZ (Valsartan/hctz)

Do’s

• Before taking Diovan HCTZ, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider.
• Take Diovan HCTZ by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider usually once daily. If the medication causes you to urinate more often, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate
• If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Diovan HCTZ at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications
• The dosage of Diovan HCTZ is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosage.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (e.g., if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness (especially when starting the medication or when the dose is adjusted)
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Acute pulmonary edema

Serious Side Effects: 

• Unable to urinate
• Allergic reactions
• Symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance such as dry mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, or irregular heartbeat 

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and others may occur. If you have specific concerns about side effects or are experiencing any unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for additional information and guidance. 

Diovan HCTZ can cause harm or death to an unborn baby, and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Diovan HCTZ, stop the medication and consult your healthcare provider immediately.

In rare cases, Diovan HCTZ can lead to the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, potentially resulting in kidney failure. If you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever, unusual tiredness, or dark-colored urine, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Diovan HCTZ may interact with a range of medications, including other blood pressure medications, steroids, lithium, cholestyramine or colestipol, cyclosporine, insulin or oral diabetes medications, rifampin, ritonavir, barbiturates, other diuretics, aspirin or other NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, or narcotics. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are using.

HCTZ may increase total serum cholesterol, LDL lipoprotein cholesterol, and VLDL lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and may reduce insulin secretion. Therefore, it should be used with caution in diabetic patients and those with hypercholesterolemia.

Rare cases of interstitial nephritis have been associated with the use of HCTZ. Additionally, the use of HCTZ has been associated with the development of pre-renal azotemia. Pretreatment volume repletion is recommended before initiating therapy with Diovan HCTZ.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions associated with Diovan HCTZ. If you have specific concerns or questions about the use of this medication, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.