Diovan Side Effects

Generic name: valsartan

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Diovan Side Effects associated with valsartan. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Diovan.

Applies to valsartan: oral solution, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position or if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. If you faint, call your doctor right away.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially if you have severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not stop. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Diovan

Along with its needed effects, valsartan (the active ingredient contained in Diovan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking valsartan:

Other side effects of Diovan

Some side effects of valsartan 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to valsartan: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet.

Nervous system adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 14%), dizziness (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema^[Ref]

A 71-year-old woman experienced an acute onset of angioedema and a photosensitive pruritic rash after 3 months of valsartan therapy. Her symptoms dissipated and the rash resolved after treatment with subcutaneous epinephrine, intravenous methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, and emollient cream.

A unique case of dose-dependent, valsartan-induced angioedema has been reported. Two hours after initiating a dose increase (160 to 320 mg/day) of valsartan, a patient developed angioedema (i.e., swelling of lips and tongue). Symptoms resolved following a reduction in dose to the original dosage of 160 mg/day.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Symptomatic hypotension in 5.5% of heart failure patients in clinical trials
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Palpitations, chest pain
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness related to orthostatic hypotension
• Postmarketing reports: Heart failure^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Impaired renal function, increases in serum creatinine concentrations, blood urea nitrogen, and potassium
• Postmarketing reports: Renal failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pruritus, rash, alopecia
• Postmarketing reports: Bullous dermatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, flatulence
• Postmarketing reports: Taste disturbance (i.e., altered sensitivity of basic tastes) has been reported following repeated dosing^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, muscle cramps, myalgias
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, insomnia, paresthesias, somnolence^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Impotence^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hematocrit decreased, hemoglobin decreased, neutropenia
• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia, vasculitis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis
• Frequency not reported: Hepatic enzymes increased^[Ref]

Valsartan-associated hepatotoxicity in a patient with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs-Ag) positivity (without signs and symptoms) has been reported. After 1 month of treatment with valsartan, this patient developed pruritic erythematous skin changes, nausea, jaundice, right subcostal abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes, and mild hepatomegaly. Signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity resolved within 2 to 3 weeks following discontinuation of valsartan and the patient remained asymptomatic after 6 months of follow-up.^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Losartan vs Valsartan - What's the difference between them?
• What is the strength of Prexxartan (valsartan) oral solution?

Further information

Diovan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer