VALZAAR 160mg Tablet

WHAT IS VALSARTAN?

Valsartan is a medicine mainly used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that prevents the blood vessels from narrowing which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

Valsartan is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Valsartan and Valzaar (made by Torrent Pharma), Aquazide (made by Sun Pharma). This medicine may also be prescribed for conditions other than those listed here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VALSARTAN:

Do not take Valsartan (Valsartan, Valzaar) if you have a known allergy to Valsartan. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, or if you are dehydrated.

In rare cases, Valsartan can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine.

Valsartan is a pregnancy category D drug. Do not take if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Valsartan can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in second or third trimester. Use of an effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. It is not known whether Valsartan can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without your doctor?s advice if you are breast feeding.

Valsartan may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

BEFORE TAKING VALSARTAN:

Before taking Valsartan (Valsartan, Valzaar), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE VALSARTAN?

Take Valsartan strictly according to your doctor?s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Valsartan can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

It may take up to 4 weeks of regular intake (as directed) for Valsartan to reign in your blood pressure. You may have to take this medicine for many years, even if you feel okay. High blood pressure doesn?t have any outwardly signs. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

While taking Valsartan, watch out for vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. These can lead to severe dehydration which can further lower your blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a dangerous and fatal condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these conditions while taking this medicine.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose of Valsartan, take it as soon as you remember. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?

In case of an overdose of Valsartan, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately.

THINGS AND ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WHILE TAKING VALSARTAN:

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Valsartan. This medicine can cause dizziness. To limit dizziness, do not get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Valsartan may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VALZAAR 160MG:

COMMON

Dizziness
Light headedness
Swelling in ankles or feet
Flushing

SERIOUS

  Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Fainting

VALSARTAN DOSING INFORMATION:

Valsartan dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor?s advice properly for best results.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:

Many other drugs can interact with Valsartan. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially the following ones: other medicines that lower blood pressure, rifampin, ritonavir, aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), heart disease medication, a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or a diuretic. These are not the only drugs that can interact with Valsartan. There may be others. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

USES OF VALZAAR TABLET

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart failure
• Prevention of heart attack and stroke

BENEFITS OF VALZAAR TABLET

In Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Valzaar 160 Tablet lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well.

In Heart failure

Heart failure means your heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to your lungs and the rest of your body. The most common symptoms are breathlessness, tiredness, and swelling in your legs, ankles, abdomen, and other parts of your body. Valzaar 160 Tablet lowers your blood pressure which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body and is, therefore, effective treatment for heart failure.

This medicine will help relieve your symptoms, making you feel better and more energetic. You should make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthily and keeping active) to help this medicine be effective. Take it regularly and keep taking it even if you feel better.

In Prevention of heart attack and stroke

Valzaar 160 Tablet lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Keep taking this medicine regularly.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VALZAAR TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Valzaar

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Stomach pain
• Decreased blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Rash
• Increased creatinine level in blood

HOW TO USE VALZAAR TABLET

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valzaar 160 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW VALZAAR TABLET WORKS

Valzaar 160 Tablet is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It relaxes the blood vessel by blocking the action of a chemical that usually makes blood vessels tighter. This lowers the blood pressure, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly to different organs and the heart to pump more efficiently.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Valzaar 160 Tablet.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Valzaar 160 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Valzaar 160 Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving

SAFE

Valzaar 160 Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive.

Kidney

CAUTION

Valzaar 160 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Valzaar 160 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease.

Liver

CAUTION

Valzaar 160 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Valzaar 160 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE VALZAAR TABLET?

If you miss a dose of Valzaar 160 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.