What Diovan does is prevent the blood vessels from getting constricted. It has been used successfully to treat hypertension, high blood pressure, heart failure, and to minimize the chances of cardiovascular death in survivors of cardiac arrest.
As with any medication, caution should be taken. Here's what to do before taking Diovan. Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with any of the following:
* kidney disease * liver disease * high levels of blood potassium
The doctor may either prescribe Diovan or alter the dosage to a safer level for you.
Obviously you should follow the doctor's orders when taking any medication. Always drink a full glass of water with every dose. You can take Diovan on an empty stomach but do not stop taking Diovan without consulting your doctor first. Store it at room temperature in a cool and dry place.
If you miss a dose, take one as soon as you can, but not if it is already about time for the next dose. Do not double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Overdose symptoms can possibly include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and fainting. Even if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
If you experience an allergic reaction or have little or no urine after taking Diovan, see your doctor. Milder side effects may include diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and chest congestion. Chances are, their milder effects will not prevent you from continuing medication.
You may experience other side effects that might not seem related to Diovan intake. Again, talk to your doctor if you feel anything out of the ordinary once you start this medication or experience reactions with other drugs.
Be sure to inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following.
* potassium supplement * potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) * salt substitute if on a salt free diet
Your doctor should also know about any prescriptions you are taking for high blood pressure or if you have a heart condition. Other drugs may also interfere with Diovan, so provide as much information to your doctor for your own good health.
Diovan can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking. If you have been sitting or lying down for quite some time, do not get up suddenly. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol reduces blood pressure and aggravates dizziness.
Diovan is an FDA pregnancy category D drug. It can be harmful to an unborn child. The risk is especially great during the third and fourth trimesters of pregnancy. It is unknown if Diovan can make its way into breast milk, so it is safest to consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Also, you should not take Diovan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Diovan.
Fen-phen is the combination of two drugs: fenfluramine (an appetite suppressant) and phentermine (a potent stimulant). Fen-phen never received approval from the Food and Drug Administration prior to their request that fenfluramine and the related compound, dexfenfluramine, be withdrawn from the market in late 1997.
The side effects of fen-phen can be represented in two categories: annoying, but relatively harmless, side effects that are encountered early on while using this combination of drugs, and serious medical complications that can arise sometime later and may be debilitating, require surgery or intensive medical treatment, and can even be fatal.
Less Harmful Fen-Phen Side Effects:
Each drug in the fen-phen combination has its own specific side effects which must be reviewed separately.
The most commonly encountered side effects of fenfluramine (Pondimin) alone included drowsiness, diarrhea and dry mouth. Less common side effects include blurred vision, chills, sweating, dizziness, confusion, incoordination, headache, drowsiness, anxiety, nervousness or tension, abdominal pain or nausea, uncomfortable or frequent urination, palpitations, low or high blood pressure, weakness or fatigue, increased or decreased libido (sex drive)and undesirable changes in mood (mood instability or depressive symptoms). It may also cause rash, eye irritation, muscle pain and a bad taste.
Phentermine is capable of producing dizziness, a rapid heart rate, blurred vision anxiety or restlessness, and tremor. Phentermine is habit forming (has abuse potential).
Medical Complications Caused by Fen-Phen:
The use of fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine alone, and the combination of fenfluramine with phentermine (fen-phen) have been associated with serious medical complications. They include valvular heart disease (damaged heart valves), Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (often referred to as PPH) and neuropsychological complications. Valvular heart disease has been associated with the use of these agents. Mild varieties can be managed with medication. More severe forms may require surgery to replace damaged valves.
The disorder generally involves the mitral and aortic valves. Primary Pulmonary Hypertension can also be treated with medications. This may alter the progression of the illness. Some patients require a heart-lung transplant. In some cases, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension can be fatal. The neuropsychological complications must be treated based upon the particular symptoms present which may include medications and/or complications.
Symptoms Related to Medical Complications:
Patients my experience dyspnea (shortness of breath), dizziness, weakness, fatigue, fainting spells, chest pain and edema (the collection of fluid, usually in the ankles). Neuropsychological symptoms include memory loss, changes in behavior, depression or mood swings, or psychosis (delusions, hallucinations or disorganized thoughts, speech or behavior).
Both Heather Colman & Nick Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.