What is the generic name of Valturna?
The generic name of Valturna is (aliskiren and valsartan, USP). It is available in tablet form.
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What is USP?
USP stands for the United States Pharmacopeia, the official public standards-setting authority for prescription and over-the-counter medicines and other healthcare products manufactured or sold in the United States.
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What is Valturna?
Valturna is a prescription medicine for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults:
- when one medicine to lower high blood pressure is not enough
- as the first medicine to lower high blood pressure if your doctor decides that you are likely to need more than one medicine
Valturna contains two prescription medicines in one tablet that work together to lower blood pressure.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor (DRI), reduces the level of angiotensin II
- Valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), blocks the effect of the remaining angiotensin II
The combined medicines in Valturna allow it to target the RAAS at two different points. This is how Valturna reduces the level and effect of angiotensin II, a potent chemical that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow.
As a result, Valturna helps blood vessels relax and widen so blood pressure is lowered.
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When was Valturna approved by the FDA?
Valturna was approved by the FDA on September 16, 2009.
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What does Valturna look like?
Valturna 150/160 mg is a light red, convex, beveled edge, ovoid, film-coated tablet with “NVR” printed on one side and “HDU” printed on the other side.
Valturna 300/320 mg is a light brown, convex, beveled edge, ovoid, film-coated tablet with “NVR” printed on one side and “SNB” printed on the other side.
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What are the ingredients of Valturna?
Active ingredients: Aliskiren and valsartan
Inactive ingredients: The inactive ingredients for all strengths of the tablets are colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, indigotin blue lake, iron oxide black, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and hypromellose.
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How is Valturna supplied to the pharmacy?
Valturna is supplied to the pharmacy in bottles of :
- 150/160 mg, 30 and 90 tablets
- 300/320 mg, 30 and 90 tablets
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Where is Valturna manufactured?
Valturna is manufactured by Novartis Pharma Stein AG. Stein, Switzerland.
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What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Blood pressure is the force that pushes the blood through your blood vessels to all the organs of your body. You have high blood pressure when the force of blood moving through your blood vessels is too great.
Valturna reduces high blood pressure. Medicines that lower your blood pressure lower your chance of having a stroke or heart attack. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body and causes damage to the blood vessels. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and vision problems.
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What causes hypertension?
For about 95% of people with high blood pressure, the medical cause is not known. These people have what is called primary or essential hypertension (hi-per-TEN-shun). When the cause is known, it is called secondary hypertension.
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What are the symptoms of hypertension?
For most people, high blood pressure has no signs or symptoms. That is why it is so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. This is especially important if you are one of the people who is at higher risk for having it.
If you have already been told that you have high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor.
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Who is most likely to suffer from hypertension in the U.S.?
Anyone can get high blood pressure. In fact, about one in every three American adults has it. Certain people are more at risk of getting high blood pressure, such as:
- People with close blood relatives (mother, father, sister, or brother) who have high blood pressure
- People of older age
- People who get little or no regular physical activity
- People who consume too much salt
- People who are overweight
- People who drink too much alcohol
- African Americans, especially women
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Why do people need high blood pressure medication? Isn't diet and exercise enough?
While healthier eating and physical activity are important components of any high blood pressure treatment program,* they are often not enough to help patients achieve their optimal blood pressure goal. Treatment with medication may also be necessary and most hypertensive patients will likely require more than one medication to reach blood pressure goal.
*Always talk to your doctor before starting any diet, weight loss, or exercise program.
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In what strengths is Valturna available?
Valturna is available in 150/160 mg and 300/320 mg tablets.
Valturna contains two prescription medicines in one tablet, aliskiren and valsartan. The first number indicates the dose in milligrams of aliskiren and the second number indicates the dose in milligrams of valsartan. For example, in Valturna 150/160 mg, the 150 indicates 150 mg of aliskiren and the 160 indicates 160 mg of valsartan.
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How do I take Valturna?
Take Valturna exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to take Valturna every day to help treat your blood pressure.
- Take Valturna once each day, about the same time each day.
- Take Valturna the same way every day, either with or without a meal. Taking Valturna with high-fat meals could decrease the amount of Valturna your body absorbs.
- Your doctor may change your dose of Valturna if needed.
- Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about Valturna.
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When and how often should Valturna be taken?
- Take Valturna exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to take Valturna every day to help treat your blood pressure.
- Take Valturna once each day, about the same time each day.
- You should establish a routine pattern for taking Valturna with regard to meals. This means always taking Valturna around the same time every day and always with food or always without food. It is important to note that taking Valturna with high-fat meals could decrease the amount of Valturna your body absorbs.
- Your doctor may change your dose of Valturna if needed.
- 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.
- If you take too much Valturna, call your doctor or a Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
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How does Valturna work?
Valturna is a prescription medicine for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults, when any ARB or aliskiren alone is not enough. Valturna contains two prescription medicines in one tablet that work together to lower blood pressure.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor (DRI), reduces the level of angiotensin II
- Valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), blocks the effect of the remaining angiotensin II
The combined medicines in Valturna allow it to target the RAAS at two different points. This is how Valturna reduces the level and effect of angiotensin II, a potent chemical that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow.
As a result, Valturna helps blood vessels relax and widen so blood pressure is lowered.
Valturna may be used to lower high blood pressure in adults:
- when one medicine to lower high blood pressure is not enough
- as the first medicine to lower high blood pressure if your doctor decides that you are likely to need more than one medicine
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Can Valturna be taken with or without food?
Yes, Valturna can be taken with or without food. However, you should establish a routine pattern for taking Valturna with regard to meals. This means always taking Valturna around the same time every day and always with food or always without food. It is important to note that taking Valturna with high-fat meals could decrease the amount of Valturna your body absorbs.
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Can I use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Valturna?
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting with your doctor.
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Can I drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking Valturna?
The effect of grapefruit on Valturna has not been studied. But, there are some medications that you should not take with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
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Can Valturna be cut, crushed or chewed?
Valturna is a film-coated tablet. It should not be cut, crushed, or chewed.
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What should I do if I miss a dose?
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.
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Can I take an extra dose?
No. Continue with therapy as directed by your physician. Never change the amount of medicine you take unless your physician instructs you to do so.
If you take too much Valturna, call your doctor or a Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
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What if I take more Valturna than I should?
If you accidentally take more Valturna than the recommended dose, call your doctor or a Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
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Can I stop taking Valturna if I feel better?
No. Continue with therapy as directed by your physician.
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How soon can I expect to see improvement?
You may experience most of the effects of Valturna in as little as 2 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment if your blood pressure remains too high.
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How should Valturna be stored?
Store Valturna tablets at room temperature between 59°F – 86°F (15°C – 30°C). Keep Valturna in the original prescription bottle in a dry place. Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle if it is in the bottle.
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Who should not take Valturna?
- If you get pregnant, stop taking Valturna and call your doctor right away. If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other treatment options for your high blood pressure.
- Do not take Valturna if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Talk to your doctor to see if Valturna may be right for you.
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What should I tell my doctor before taking Valturna?
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including whether you:
- Have kidney problems.
- Have liver problems.
- Have ever had a reaction called angioedema to another blood pressure medicine. Angioedema causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms and legs, and may cause difficulty breathing.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Are breast-feeding. It is not known if Valturna passes into your breast milk.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:
- Other medicines for high blood pressure or a heart problem
- Water pills (also called "diuretics")
- Medicines for treating fungus or fungal infections
- Cyclosporine (a medicine used to suppress the immune system)
- Potassium-containing medicines, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium
- Atorvastatin (medicine to lower cholesterol in your blood)
Your doctor or pharmacist will know what medicines are safe to take together. Know your medicines. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
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Can Valturna be taken with other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:
- Other medicines for high blood pressure or a heart problem
- Water pills (also called "diuretics")
- Medicines for treating fungus or fungal infections
- Cyclosporine (a medicine used to suppress the immune system)
- Potassium-containing medicines, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium
- Atorvastatin (medicine to lower cholesterol in your blood)
Your doctor or pharmacist will know what medicines are safe to take together. Know your medicines. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
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What are the serious side effects of Valturna?
Valturna may cause serious side effects:
- When taken during pregnancy, injury or death to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become or plan to become pregnant.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension). Your blood pressure may get too low if you also take water pills, are on a low-salt diet, get dialysis treatments, have heart problems, or get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking alcohol and taking certain medicines (barbiturates or narcotics) can cause low blood pressure to get worse. Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy, and call your doctor right away.
- Angioedema. Aliskiren, a component in Valturna, can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms and legs, or the whole body. Get medical help right away and tell your doctor if you experience any one or more of these symptoms. Angioedema can happen at any time while you are taking Valturna.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What are the common side effects of Valturna?
Common side effects of Valturna include:
- Tirednes
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Flu or flu-like symptoms
- Dizziness
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of Valturna.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Is Valturna safe for use in children?
Valturna has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.
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Does Valturna contain latex?
Valturna does not contain latex.
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Does Valturna contain gelatin?
Valturna does not contain gelatin.
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Does Valturna contain gluten?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation does not knowingly or intentionally include gluten in its products. However, due to multisourcing of certain inactive ingredients, we cannot guarantee the absence of gluten from our products.
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Does Valturna contain lactose?
Valturna does not contain lactose.
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Does Valturna contain iodine?
Valturna does not contain iodine.
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Does Valturna contain dye?
Valturna does not contain dye. Valturna does contain iron oxide-based colorants.
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Is Valturna kosher?
Valturna is not kosher. If you have any questions, please consult with an orthodox rabbi.
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Is Valturna halal?
Valturna is not halal. If you have any questions, please consult with an imam.
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Can I drink alcohol while taking Valturna?
Novartis does not recommend drinking alcohol while taking any medication. Please speak with your doctor with questions about alcohol consumption with your medical treatments.
Valturna may cause serious side effects such as low blood pressure (hypotension). Your blood pressure may get too low if you also take water pills, are on a low-salt diet, get dialysis treatments, have heart problems, or get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking alcohol and taking certain medicines (barbiturates or narcotics) can cause low blood pressure to get
worse. Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy, and call your doctor right away.
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Is it safe to take Valturna while pregnant or breast-feeding?
Pregnancy: IMPORTANT WARNING: Valturna may harm an unborn baby, causing injury and death. If you become pregnant, stop taking Valturna and call your doctor right away. If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other medicines to treat your high blood pressure before taking Valturna.
Breast-feeding: Do not take Valturna if you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed. It is not known if Valturna passes into your breast milk. Breast-feeding is therefore not recommended in women treated with Valturna.
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Are there any ongoing clinical trials for high blood pressure?
Please visit www.novartisclinicaltrials.com for Novartis trials or www.clinicaltrials.gov for general information about clinical trials.
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How much does Valturna cost?
The price of Valturna may vary at different pharmacies. It is best to check the price with your pharmacy of choice.
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Is Valturna covered by insurance?
Patients should contact their personal health insurance carrier to determine their coverage for Valturna.
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Is there financial assistance available for Valturna?
At Novartis, we believe that all Americans deserve access to quality health care, including prescription medicines, education about their disease or condition, and information on the medicines they take. We recognize that many patients today face obstacles that keep them from getting the medicines they need.
That is why Novartis is proud to offer Patient Assistance Now, an easy-to-use, comprehensive resource that allows you to access programs that may help you pay for your Novartis medicines and find information to take care of your health.
Please visit our website at www.patientassistancenow.com or call 1-800-245-5356 for more information.
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