Valsartan Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are taking potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium supplements, talk with healthcare provider.

• Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Cough.

• Belly pain.

• Diarrhea.

• Back pain.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Worsening kidney function.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe headache.

• Signs of high potassium.

• Persistent cough.

• Excessive perspiration, dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea. May lead to low blood pressure.

• Significant weight gain.

• Swelling of legs or belly.

• For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.