Get Informed: Diovan HCT
Active Ingredient(s)
Hydrochlorothiazide with Valsartan
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It contains a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan).
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Jul-31 1:19 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Jul-30 9:08 PM
Other Names
- Diovan HCT
- Codiovan
- Valsartan / Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrochlorothiazide with Valsartan
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- D
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its risk of fetal death.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 06 Mar 1998
- Est US Patients*
- 1,828,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Diovan HCT or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Diovan HCT Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Diovan HCT used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 13,500 patients that use Diovan HCT (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 100% |
mild
severe
|
| Heart Failure/Edema | 10% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Diovan HCT work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 13,500 users taking Diovan HCT (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 84%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Diovan HCT outweigh the bad things.
- 1%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Diovan HCT.
Common Side Effects of Diovan HCT
iGuard regularly polls our more than 13,500 users taking Diovan HCT (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
13% of patients experience side-effects on Diovan HCT
< 1% of patients experience significant side-effects on Diovan HCT
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
Muscle Pain/Cramps
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdo Pain/Cramps, Dryness, Itch/Rash, Nasal/Sinus Congestion, Vivid Dreams
Global Patient Feedback for Diovan HCT (Hydrochlorothiazide with Valsartan) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
The diovan hct 160/12.5 x 2 per day is causing muscle spasms across my upper buttocks and hips. It is severe enough at times to make walking or exercising very difficult. I have been taking it for 2+ years. My doctor ignores my complaints as, 'he doesnt understand the drug can cause this type side effect'. Suggestions?
Male Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-05-25 11:14:57
Answer/Reply:
The diovan hct 160/12.5 is causing extreme muscle pain and my goal is to change to another BP med. I have read QNEXA is a good choice with minimal side effects. What is your opinion and does anyone else use QNEXA?
Male Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-06-11 13:25:58
Question/Comment:
My doctor changed me from Diovan HCT 320-12.5 mg to Benicar HTC 20-12.5. The Diovan I felt was making me have fatique and low blood pressure. On the Benicar I am having rapid heart beats that is really making me fell jittery. He advised me to stop taking the Guanfacine 1mg at bedtime, but I still feel the same. What should I do?
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-04-28 10:26:18
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Benicar HCT does not typically cause rapid heart beat or jitters - but if these symptoms are continuing, or become more severe, be sure to let your doctor know. Benicar HCT contains Benicar and Hydrochlorothiazide. Ask your doctor about decreasing your dose. You may need to switch to single ingredient tablets, a lower dose Benicar tablet and a hydrochlorothiazide tablet to see if you feel better on a lower dose.
Posted: 2010-05-16 16:07:30
Question/Comment:
My doctor just presribed Diovan HCT 160/25 to replace Atacand HCT 32/12.5 that my insurance will no longer pay for. I have taken the Atacand for 13 years and am aprehensive about changing. Are these two medicines similar enough so as not to cause any adverse side effects when I change. What should I be looking for? I have had side effects from cholesterol drugs and many anitbiotics in the past.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-04-09 23:23:03
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Both of these contain medication contain drugs in the same class, as well as hydrochlorothiazide, which is the HCT. Make sure the HCT is the same, as one says 25 and one says 12.5 mg. If it is 25 mg, then that is stronger. You can assume you would have the same effects from the Atacand as well as the Diovan.
Posted: 2010-04-20 19:48:42
Question/Comment:
Dr changed me from Diovan which I had taken for over 10yrse a nd put me on Diovan HCT. I had no problem with urine output. Now seems urine more concentrated and not as much. Opinion please.
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-06 08:43:44
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The difference between Diovan and Diovan HCT is the ingredient hydrochlorothiazide. Diovan contains valsartan and Diovan HCT contains valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and helps to lower blood pressure by pulling excess fluid out of the body. This action should increase urine output. If your urine output is decreasing and becoming more concentrated, there could be a different underlying cause. It is important to make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible and explain this change in your urine output and how you are feeling.
Posted: 2010-01-06 20:12:06
Question/Comment:
my husband takes DIOVAN HCT 160MG/12.5 MG NOW THE PROBLEM IS ; he has a cold can he take herbal tea...it hasslippery elm and other types of herbs...can he or should he take it. We need help with this, the doctor who prescribed it is not his orignal doctor...it was a specialist he had seen for his heart.
thanks.
42 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-30 15:04:53
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Slippery elm and other herbs have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. Slippery elm can interact with many medications, and may affect the absorption of your husband's regular medications, which could affect his blood pressure control. It would be best to avoid using tea with this type of herbal in it. Decaffeinated peppermint or lemon tea would be a better choice and could still help to loosen up some of his congestion because of the steam of the tea.
Posted: 2010-01-01 19:54:14
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Patient Comments About
Diovan HCT