Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

What is this medication?

VALSARTAN; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (val SAR tan; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) treats high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels and helps your kidneys remove more fluid through urine, which lowers blood pressure. It is a combination of an ARB and diuretic.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Diovan HCT

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Gout
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lupus
• Pancreatitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Dofetilide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aliskiren
• ACE inhibitors, like enalapril or lisinopril
• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Potassium salts or potassium supplements
• Other diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone, or amiloride
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact them.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Talk to your care team about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team. You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.

Check with your care team if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Gout—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, such as the big toe
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medications to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.