Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Diovan (Valsartan). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Diovan (Valsartan) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Diovan (Valsartan). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• back or leg pain
• cough
• decreased sexual ability
• Diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, Fever, cough, sore throat)
• headache
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• fainting
• increased frequency of cold symptoms (ear, head, and nose congestion; sneezing; sore throat; fever)
• irregular heartbeat
• signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness,  pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood,  bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of heart problems (e.g., difficulty breathing when lying down, swelling feet or ankles, tiring easily)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., decreased urination, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet and ankles)
• signs of inflamed blood vessels (e.g., purplish-red spots, fever, itching)
• signs of  liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• signs of too much potassium in the body (e.g., irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, generally feeling unwell)
• unexplained muscle pain or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face or throat, Hives, or difficulty breathing)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

40 mg
Each yellow, ovaloid, scored on one side, slightly convex tablet with bevelled edges, debossed on one side with "DO" and with "NVR" on the other side, contains Diovan (Valsartan) 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

80 mg
Each pale red, round shaped tablet with bevelled edges, debossed with "DV" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains Diovan (Valsartan) 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

160 mg
Each grey orange, ovaloid shaped tablet with bevelled edges, debossed with "DX" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains Diovan (Valsartan) 160 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

320 mg
Each dark grey-violet, ovaloid shaped tablet with bevelled edges, debossed with "DXL" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains Diovan (Valsartan) 320 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

Do not take Diovan (Valsartan) if you:

• are allergic to Diovan (Valsartan) or any ingredients of the medication
• have experienced angioedema as a reaction to any Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB)
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• are taking Aliskiren and have Diabetes or decreased renal function

There may be an interaction between Diovan (Valsartan) and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• aliskiren
• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• amifostine
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine)
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., Captopril, Lisinopril, Ramipril)
• other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., candasartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital Phenobarbital)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• brimonidine
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• Canagliflozin
• ciprofloxacin
• Cyclosporine
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide)
• Duloxetine
• Eltrombopag
• ephedra
• Guanfacine
• Heparin and low-molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Tinzaparin)
• Hydralazine
• lithium
• Methylphenidate
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• medications that increase the level of potassium in the blood (e.g., Spironolactone, Amiloride, triamterene, or salt substitutes that contain potassium)
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Pentoxifylline
• phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• potassium supplements
• Quetiapine
• quinine
• Risperidone
• Rituximab
• sodium phosphates
• Tolvaptan
• Trimethoprim
• Yohimbine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Diovan (Valsartan). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Diovan (Valsartan).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Diovan (Valsartan) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Diovan (Valsartan) affects you.

Kidney problems: Diovan (Valsartan) may affect the function of the kidneys, especially for those people who already have kidney problems. Taking aliskiren can make these effects worse, and should not be taken with Diovan (Valsartan). If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Diovan (Valsartan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diovan (Valsartan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Diovan (Valsartan) is broken down by the liver. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Diovan (Valsartan) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Diovan (Valsartan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Diovan (Valsartan), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Diovan (Valsartan).

Diovan (Valsartan) may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Low Blood Pressure: Occasionally, a larger-than-expected decrease in blood pressure occurs after taking Diovan (Valsartan). In some cases, this happens after the first dose. It is more likely to occur if you take diuretics (water pills), are taking aliskiren, have a reduced salt intake, are on dialysis, or are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Blood pressure should be monitored more often in these situations. Those who have low blood pressure or are just starting Diovan (Valsartan) should move slowly from a reclining to an upright position to reduce the risk of dizziness.

Pregnancy: Diovan (Valsartan) should not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause harm to an unborn child. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss alternative medications for blood pressure control with your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and tell your doctor at once.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Diovan (Valsartan) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Diovan (Valsartan), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Diovan (Valsartan) have not been established for children.