Diovan
(Valsartan)
Lowers blood pressure.
Our bottom line
Diovan (Valsartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects kidney function like an ACE inhibitor, but with fewer side effects.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (valsartan)
Upsides
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Similar to ACE inhibitors (like Lisinopril), with fewer side effects like cough and swelling.
- Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
- Recommended for anyone with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.
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What to expect from Diovan, on one page
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431Downsides
- Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
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What to expect from Diovan, on one page
Download Fact SheetDiovan (Valsartan) is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This makes blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to get to your heart and other organs.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (valsartan)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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Pay as low as$4.73Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$14.86
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$15.41
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$15.56
What to expect when you take Diovan (Valsartan) for Lowers blood pressure
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Kidney problems
- High potassium levels
- Cough
- Unusual swelling
Side effect rates for Diovan (Valsartan)
Risks and Warnings for Diovan (Valsartan)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Women of childbearing age
Diovan (Valsartan) can cause birth defects or death to a fetus. If you are pregnant or considering having a baby, talk to your doctor about alternative medicines.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats heart failure.Common concerns from people taking Diovan (Valsartan)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people found harmful effects on unborn babies, but the benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Requires routine blood tests to check kidney function.
- Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Diovanon 9/20/2016Causes weight gain and doesn't control systolic pressure.68ManHigh blood pressure