What are the side effects of the blood pressure medication Valsartan?

The overall frequency of adverse reactions was neither dose-related nor related to gender, age, race, or regimen. Discontinuation of therapy due to side effects was required in 2.3% of valsartan patients and 2.0% of placebo patients. The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with Diovan were headache and dizziness.

The adverse reactions that occurred in placebo-controlled clinical trials in at least 1% of patients treated with Diovan and at a higher incidence in valsartan (n=2,316) than placebo (n=888) patients included viral infection (3% vs. 2%), fatigue (2% vs. 1%), and abdominal pain (2% vs. 1%).

In trials in which valsartan was compared to an ACE inhibitor with or without placebo, the incidence of dry cough was significantly greater in the ACE-inhibitor group (7.9%) than in the groups who received valsartan (2.6%) or placebo (1.5%). In a 129-patient trial limited to patients who had had dry cough when they had previously received ACE inhibitors, the incidences of cough in patients who received valsartan, HCTZ, or lisinopril were 20%, 19%, and 69% respectively (p < 0.001).

Dose-related orthostatic effects were seen in less than 1% of patients. An increase in the incidence of dizziness was observed in patients treated with Diovan 320 mg (8%) compared to 10 to 160 mg (2% to 4%).

Diovan (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for the control of hypertension, heart failure, and post heart attack. Diovan is available as a generic.

Less common

1. Bloody urine
2. cold sweats
3. confusion
4. decreased frequency or amount of urine
5. difficult breathing
6. dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying position
7. fainting
8. increased thirst
9. irregular heartbeat
10. loss of appetite
11. lower back or side pain
12. nausea
13. nervousness
14. numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
15. swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
16. unusual tiredness or weakness
17. vomiting
18. weakness of heaviness of the legs
19. weight gain

Rare

1. Chills
2. fever
3. hoarseness
4. sore throat
5. swelling of the mouth, hands, or feet
6. trouble with swallowing or breathing (sudden)

Incidence not known

1. Black, tarry stools
2. bleeding gums
3. blood in the urine or stools
4. dark urine
5. general tiredness and weakness
6. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
7. light-colored stools
8. pinpoint red spots on the skin
9. redness, soreness, or itching skin
10. unusual bleeding or bruising
11. upper right abdominal or stomach pain
12. yellow eyes and skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

1. Back pain
2. blurred vision
3. cold or flu-like symptoms
4. coughing
5. diarrhea
6. difficulty with moving
7. headache
8. muscle pain or stiffness
9. pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
10. stomach pain

Incidence not known

1. Hair loss
2. thinning of the hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

VALSARTAN DISCLAIMER: Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.