Safely Buy Diovan HCTZ ( Valsartan/hctz ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains two medications: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a “water pill” (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If this medication causes you to urinate more often, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.

If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have a fever, unusual tiredness, or dark-colored urine.

Serious side effects include:

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Eye pain, vision problems
• An unusual skin rash
• Little or no urinating
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding
• A seizure
• Kidney problems–little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance–dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, feeling restless, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, drowsiness, lack of energy, fast heartbeats, decreased urination

Common side effects include:

• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat
• Dizziness
• Headache

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, dehydration, high level of potassium in the blood, and skin cancer.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk of lightheadedness or dehydration. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. It may also increase your risk for skin cancer, especially if you take it for a long time. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned, have skin blisters/redness, or notice new or changed moles/skin lesions.

This product may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Valsartan may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. (See also Warning section.)

It is unknown if valsartan passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Diovan HCTZ is available in the following form and strengths:

• Diovan HCTZ Tablet:
  • 160/25 mg
  • 320/25 mg
  • 80/12.5 mg
  • 160/12.5 mg
  • 320/12.5 mg
• Valsartan/Hctz Tablet:
  • 160/25 mg
  • 320/25 mg
  • 80/12.5 mg
  • 160/12.5 mg
  • 320/12.5 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan?

Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Your doctor may want you to have skin examinations regularly.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your doctor has told you to.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Resources:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020818s049lbl.pdf
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7195/valsartan-hydrochlorothiazide-oral/details
3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/hydrochlorothiazide-and-valsartan.html#side-effects