About valsartan

Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (also called an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist or an AIIRA). It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced). People with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels.

Valsartan works by blocking the effect of a chemical called angiotensin II which is made in your bloodstream. Angiotensin II causes your blood vessels to narrow, so by blocking this effect, valsartan allows your blood vessels to relax and widen. As this happens, the pressure of blood within your blood vessels is reduced. This also makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Before taking valsartan

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking valsartan it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney problems such as a blockage of the artery which supplies blood to your kidney.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have been told you have cardiomyopathy (cardiac muscle disease), or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the main blood vessel from your heart), or any other heart problem.
• If you have a condition which affects the flow of bile from your liver.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take valsartan

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the brand of valsartan you have been given, and a full list of possible side-effects from taking it.
• Take valsartan exactly as your doctor has told you to. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets or capsules to take, and when to take them. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack. (You may be asked to take valsartan once or twice a day depending on the reason why you are taking it.)
• Try to take valsartan at the same times each day. This will help you to avoid missing any doses.
• You can take valsartan before or after meals.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want you to have some blood tests from time to time to check on your kidneys, and also how much potassium is in your blood.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with valsartan. This is because some anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) may interfere with the way it works, and also increase the risk of side-effects.
• It is very important that you follow any dietary and lifestyle advice that you may have been given by your doctor, such as eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking regular exercise.
• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about taking valsartan and alcohol. Alcohol will increase feelings of light-headedness and may not be recommended for you.
• Do not use salt substitutes which contain potassium while you are on valsartan. This is because they increase the amount of potassium in your blood and this can cause problems.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking valsartan. This is because valsartan taken with an anaesthetic may make your blood pressure drop too low.
• Treatment with valsartan is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. Continue to take it unless you are advised otherwise.

Can valsartan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you get any swelling of your mouth or face, speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway. These are signs of an allergic reaction.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store valsartan

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines