Valsartan is primarily prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure. This medication may be used alone or in conjunction with other medicines/ therapies to lower blood pressure and prevent further complications such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In addition, it is used to treat heart failure and is administered after a heart attack to improve the chances of survival.

High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly ½ of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.

Valsartan has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking valsartan include:

• Headache
  
• Fatigue
  
• Nausea/ stomach pain
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Back pain
  
• Cough
  
• Rash
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, weight gain, or hoarseness.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with valsartan. Valsartan can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are currently breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking valsartan.

The specific dosage of valsartan will depend on the condition being treated.

For high blood pressure: To treat high blood pressure, an 80 or 160 mg oral tablet containing valsartan should be taken once a day. Depending on your condition and how well the medication is tolerated, this dosage may be increased up to 320 mg per day.

For heart failure: To treat heart failure, adults are prescribed a 40 mg tablet to be taken twice a day. This dosage may be increased up to 320 mg per day.

For left ventricular failure after a heart attack: To increase chances of survival after a heart attack, valsartan is prescribed as a 20 mg oral tablet to be taken twice a day. This dosage may be increased up to 320 mg per day.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of valsartan without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Valsartan is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not valsartan is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for valsartan to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.