What is Valturna?Valturna contains two prescription medicines in one tablet, aliskiren and valsartan. These two drugs work together to lower your blood pressure.
Valturna may be used to lower blood pressure when one medicine is not enough. It can also be used as the first medicine if your doctor decides that you are likely to need more than one medicine.
What is the most important information I should know about Valturna?Valturna should not be taken during pregnancy. Valturna can harm an unborn baby, causing injury and even death. If you become pregnant, stop taking Valturna and call your doctor right away. Talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your blood pressure if you plan to become pregnant.
Valturna can cause a serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs. If you experience any of these symptoms or develop trouble breathing, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Valturna may cause low blood pressure (hypotension), especially if you take water pills (diuretics), are on a low-salt diet, receive dialysis, have heart problems, or get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy and call your doctor right away.
Who should not take Valturna?Do not take Valturna if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are allergic to any of its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Valturna?Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Valturna. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney problems, have liver problems, have ever had a reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, and legs) to another blood pressure medicine, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
What is the usual dosage?The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.
High Blood Pressure
Adults: The recommended starting dose of Valturna is 150 milligrams (mg) of aliskiren and 160 mg of valsartan, taken once daily. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 300 mg of aliskiren and 320 mg of valsartan, taken once daily.
How should I take Valturna?Take Valturna exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take Valturna once each day, about the same time, either with or without a meal. It is important to take Valturna every day to control your blood pressure.
What should I avoid while taking Valturna?Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Valturna. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium while on Valturna without first consulting your doctor.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Valturna?If Valturna is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Valturna with the following: atenolol, atorvastatin, cyclosporine, furosemide, irbesartan, ketoconazole, potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements or salt substitutes, rifampin, or ritonavir.
What are the possible side effects of Valturna?Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.
Side effects may include: tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, flu or flu-like symptoms, dizziness
Can I receive Valturna if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?You should not take Valturna if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Valturna?If you miss a dose of Valturna, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
How should I store Valturna?Store at room temperature. Keep Valturna in the original prescription bottle in a dry place. Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle.
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