Diovan HCT

What you should know before using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatrics

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Elderly patients may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of this medicine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Dofetilide

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus—Hydrochlorothiazide may raise blood sugar levels

• Fluid or electrolyte (e.g., potassium, chloride, sodium) imbalance (due to excessive perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)—The side effects of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide may be increased

• Gout—Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the amount of uric acid in the body, which may activate or aggravate this condition

• Heart failure, severe—Lowering of blood pressure by these medicines may make this condition worse

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—These conditions may be aggravated by valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide