Q. Three months ago I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Iam a 61-year-old woman. My doctor prescribed Diovan HCT.
The side effects have been really bad; my legs and back are so weak and the fatigue feeling is overbearing, along with headaches to a lesser extent. I told her of my symptoms several times, yet she says to just keep taking the pills and it should get better. So far I have not seen any improvement.
Are there any better medications I could try, or could ask her about? Is there anything I can do to help the discomfort?
If my blood pressure goes to normal, what is the purpose of continuing to take medication? I hate to think that this will be a way of life for me. I used to enjoy golf and walking, was feeling fine, and now this cure is really a bummer. -Carolyn
A. We are so sorry to hear about your negative experience with Diovan HCT (valsartan & hydrocholothiazide). Doctors sometimes assume that these two drugs are virtually devoid of side effects. That is clearly not the case.
Valsartan belongs to a class of medications called ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). Other medications in the group include:
ARBS (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
- Candesartan (Atacand)
- Eprosartan (Teveten)
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Irbesartan + HCTZ (Avalide)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Losartan + HCTZ (Hyzaar)
- Olmesartan (Benicar)
- Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
- Valsartan + Amlodipine (Exforge)
Like the name angiotensin receptor blocker implies, these drugs block the action of a natural chemical called angiotensin. Think of these drugs a bit like sticky bubblegum that you jam in a keyhole. When the key (in this case angiotensin) tries to get into the “lock” and activate muscles that cause narrowing of blood vessels, the blocking agent prevents that action. If the blood vessels cannot constrict, blood pressure comes down.
In some respects these drugs are a bit like ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) such as lisinopril. They are somewhat less likely to cause a cough (a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril). But they can cause a cough and other side effects which are listed below:
Side Effects of Valsartan (Diovan) & other ARBS:
- Viral infection, sore throat
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Digestive distress, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, gas
- Muscle pain, bone pain, back pain, muscle cramps
- Skin Rash
- Serious changes in potassium, magnesium, sodium levels
- Hair loss, hair thinning
- Erectile dysfunction
- changes in liver & kidney function
- Higher levels of uric acid, gout
- Allergic reaction, skin rash, swelling of mouth or neck
- Blood changes, reduced white blood counts
Despite doctors confidence that Diovan or Diovan HCT should have tolerable side effects, we have heard from a great many people that they are not happy with their ARB experience. We do not think you or anyone else should have to suffer such discomfort to bring blood pressure under control. Here are some other stories to consider:
“The drug Diovan HCT for high blood pressure has caused my hair to thin.” – Brenda
“My last uric acid reading was 7.99 (normal high 7.4). I am basically asymptomatic. Perhaps once per year I get symptoms of gout in my big toe. My MD wants to put me on allopurinol. I take Crestor and Diovan with good results. I am a physician.” – Lawrence
“I’ve been on generic Lotrel (amlodipine, benazepril) for blood pressure for several years. The Lotrel has been very effective in controlling my blood pressure, but about a year ago I developed a persistent cough. My GP identified the cough as a side effect of Lotrel, and took me off the medication and put me on Diovan. The cough went away, but my blood pressure crept up and I had an almost continual headache. I went back on the Lotrel and the cough returned.” – John
“I started using Diovan HCT at the lowest dosage over a year ago. For the past three months I have experienced severe leg pain while sleeping. I am kept up all night not only because of the pain but because my kidneys seem to be in overdrive; I have to get up every two hours to pee. I was getting no sleep whatsoever.
“My doctor kept telling me I was on the lowest dosage and not to worry. Really? Well my system went into overdrive with the diuretic. Then the leg pain became so severe I could not sleep. During the past two months I have developed a dry cough. “I contacted my cardiologist and told him I must get off the Diovan because I could not bear the leg pain or the dry, constant cough.” – Christa
These stories are just the tip of the iceberg. To read more about Diovan visit our drug library. You can find out a lot more about blood pressure control by downloading our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment.
If you are interested in natural approaches for dealing with hypertension, you may find our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies of great value. It lists a number of foods that have been demonstrated to lower blood pressure about as well as prescription medications.
