Diovan is a prescription drug for high blood pressure given to adults and even children who are at least six years old. Its generic name is valsartan. It is manufactured and distributed by Novartis. It prevents the narrowing of the blood vessels. By doing so, it lowers blood pressure and improves the flow of blood in the body. Diovan is available in capsule and tablet forms, with strength ranging from 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg and 320 mg.
The capsule form was approved by the FDA in January 1997 while the tablet form was approved in July 2001. The usual starting dose of Diovan for adults is 80 mg taken once a day. Maximum effect is generally attained after four weeks of continued use. Patients who require greater reduction in high blood pressure may be given a higher dose, often at 160 mg. This drug may be taken with or without food.
Diovan Cost Information
Prices of Diovan vary depending on some conditions like the store selling it and the strength of the tablet. A 160 mg tablet, for instance, can sell for as low as $1.30. A 40 mg tablet may sell for $1. Tablets sold at online stores may even be charged with shipping fees.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $110.79 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $154.00 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $166.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $218.00 |
Kmart |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $116.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $136.00 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $146.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $194.00 |
Kroger |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $130.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $152.69 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $156.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $215.00 |
Publix |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $131.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $154.00 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $164.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $218.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $140.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $161.00 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $173.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $223.00 |
Target |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $118.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $155.00 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $139.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $192.00 |
Walgreens |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $151.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $145.00 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $164.00 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $210.00 |
Walmart |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $109.00 |
| 80mg | 30 tablets | $129.23 |
| 160mg | 30 tablets | $138.59 |
| 320mg | 30 tablets | $173.99 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Side effects like hives, difficulty in breathing and swelling of the face, lips and tongue may be experienced by the user of this drug as his body adjusts to the medication. Medical help, however, should be sought if these conditions persists. Other short-term side effects that require immediate medical attention are shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, infrequent urination, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, irregular heartbeat and increased thirst. Users of Diovan who feel like they might pass out or experience weak pulse, slow heart rate and muscle weakness should also seek medical help immediately.
Long-Term Side Effects
The chronic use of Diovan may cause its users to experience long term side effects like headache, dizziness and exhaustion. Some people who use Diovan multiple times also report experiencing flu-like symptoms, while others have cold symptoms like sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose and cough. The constant use of this drug can also result to back and joint pain, blurred vision and skin rashes.
Interactions
Certain drugs may interact with Diovan, preventing it from fully becoming effective. These include cyclosporine, water pill, rifampin, ritonavir, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin and meloxicam.
How it Works
Diovan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It lowers high blood pressure by hindering angiotensin II, a chemical that causes the narrowing of the blood vessels and increases blood flow resistance. Because it blocks this chemical, Diovan is able to relax and widen the blood vessels enabling the blood to flow easily.
Generic Alternatives
Those who experience bothersome side effects from the use of Diovan may take other drugs considered as alternatives to this ARB. These include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, nervous system inhibitors and vasodilators.
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