VALSARTAN is used to treat high blood pressure. This drug is also used to treat patients with heart failure and patients who have had a heart attack.

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

• heart failure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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.

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.

• blood pressure medicines
• diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
• potassium salts or potassium supplements

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.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist 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 drug 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.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion, dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells
• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• skin rash, itching
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet

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

• cough
• decreased sexual function
• headache
• nausea or stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep your medicine container tightly closed and protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.