Warnings and Precautions With Valsartan

Among the warnings and precautions with valsartan to be aware of are potential drug interactions, the safety of taking valsartan while pregnant or nursing, and the risk of extremely low blood pressure in some people taking this medicine. Some conditions that you should let your healthcare provider know about before you take valsartan include heart disease, diabetes, and gallstones or other gallbladder problems. Also, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform any other tasks that require alertness before you know how valsartan affects you.

 

Valsartan: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking valsartan (Diovan®) if you have:
 
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Diabetes
  • Gallstones or other gallbladder problems
  • Any allergies, including allergies to other angiotensin II receptor blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
  • On dialysis
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Some Valsartan Warnings and Precautions

Some valsartan warnings and precautions to be aware of include:
 
  • There are a couple of medicines that valsartan can interact with (see Drug Interactions With Valsartan).
     
  • Valsartan may cause extremely low blood pressure in some people. Extremely low blood pressure is more likely to happen in people who are taking a diuretic; who are on dialysis; who have recently had a heart attack; or who have congestive heart failure, excessive sweating, or diarrhea or vomiting. This is why it is important to drink fluids regularly while taking valsartan. If you have any possible symptoms of low blood pressure -- such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting -- contact your healthcare provider. If you have fainted, stop taking valsartan until you have talked with your healthcare provider.

Also, make sure not to drive, operate any heavy machinery, or perform any other tasks that require alertness before you know how valsartan affects you.

  • Valsartan is a pregnancy Category C medicine for the first trimester and a pregnancy Category D medicine for the second and third trimesters, meaning that valsartan has health risks to your unborn child. Prior to taking valsartan, let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking valsartan, contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Diovan and Pregnancy for more information).

 

  • While taking valsartan, do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium unless you have discussed this with your doctor. This is because in some people taking valsartan, potassium in the blood can increase to dangerous levels.  

 

  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers, including valsartan, have been known to cause a decrease in kidney function, especially in certain groups such as those with severe congestive heart failure. Let your healthcare provider know if you have symptoms such as a decrease in urine output, drowsiness, headache, or back pain. Your healthcare provider will also regularly check your kidney function with a blood test.
     
  • It is not known whether or not valsartan passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are nursing, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should stop taking valsartan or stop breastfeeding.
     
(Warnings and Precautions With Valsartan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;