blems in the fetus and infant including: low blood pressure, poor development of skull bones, kidney failure and death. Discuss other treatment options with female patients planning to become pregnant. Women using Diovan HCT who become pregnant should notify their physician as soon as possible.
Symptomatic Hypotension : A patient receiving Diovan HCT should be cautioned that lightheadedness can occur, especially during the first days of therapy, and that it should be reported to the prescribing physician. The patients should be told that if syncope occurs, Diovan HCT should be discontinued until the physician has been consulted.
All patients should be cautioned that inadequate fluid intake, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure, with the same consequences of lightheadedness and possible syncope.
Potassium Supplements : A patient receiving Diovan HCT should be told not to use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting the prescribing physician.
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Diovan HCT as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus . [ See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
PATIENT INFORMATION
DIOVAN HCT (DYE’ -o -van HCT)
(valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide)
Tablets
Read the Patient Information that comes with DIOVAN HCT before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your condition and treatment. If you have any questions about DIOVAN HCT, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is DIOVAN HCT?
DIOVAN HCT contains two prescription medicines:
DIOVAN HCT may be used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults-
DIOVAN HCT has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.
Who should not take DIOVAN HCT?
Do not take DIOVAN HCT if you:
What should I tell my doctor before taking DIOVAN HCT?
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Some of your other medicines and DIOVAN HCT could affect each other, causing serious side effects. Especially, tell your doctor if you take:
Ask your doctor if you are not sure if you are taking one of these medicines.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show to your doctor and pharmacist when a new medicine is prescribed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new medicine. Your doctor or pharmacist will know what medicines are safe to take together.
How should I take DIOVAN HCT?
What should I avoid while taking DIOVAN HCT?
You should not take DIOVAN HCT during pregnancy. See “What is the most important information I should know about DIOVAN HCT?”
What are the possible side effects of DIOVAN HCT?
DIOVAN HCT may cause serious side effects including:
Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy. Call your doctor right away.
Other side effects were generally mild and brief. They generally have not caused patients to stop taking DIOVAN HCT.
Tell your doctor
