Diovan is an angiotensin II blocker, similar to Cozaar. It is prescribed for
high blood pressure, alone or in combination with other drugs.
Because
African-American patients benefit less than others from Cozaar, their response
to Diovan should be monitored carefully to ensure their blood pressured is
controlled adequately.
Diovan is usually very well tolerated, with few
side effects.
Some people taking Diovan have experienced insomnia,
fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion, and dizziness.
Other side effects
have been rare: headache, nausea, joint pains, sinusitis, diarrhea, and cough.
Liver enzymes may become elevated and blood potassium levels may
increase. Report any symptoms to the physician promptly.
Diovan is not
appropriate during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. If a woman
taking Diovan becomes pregnant, she should consult her doctor as soon as
possible.
See Cozaar nursing caution...Nursing mothers should not take
this drug without first discussing benefits and risks with their
physician.
As doctors gain more experience prescribing this medicine,
more interactions may come to light.
Check with your doctor and
pharmacist to make sure Diovan is safe in combination with any other drugs you
take.
People with liver disease may have trouble metabolizing Diovan. The dose should be adjusted if they do.
Severe kidney disease may also require dosage adjustment.
Diovan may is taken once a day, with or without food.
It should be taken the same way consistently because food reduces the concentration of the drug in the blood.