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Study has important implications for African Americans who suffer from high blood pressure

August 08, 2017

Recently completed Diovan trials include Val-HeFT in heart failure patients and VALIANT in post-heart attack patients. Ongoing trials include NAVIGATOR in pre-diabetes patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and Val-MARC, a study of the effects of Diovan on C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker for heart disease. World-class research is only one way Novartis works to address the public health crisis of high blood pressure and heart disease. The company recently launched an unprecedented national initiative called Take Action for Healthy Blood Pressure, which will unite health care professionals and patients in the fight against uncontrolled high blood pressure.

For more information about this program visit HealthyBP.

Diovan is a first-line treatment for high blood pressure. Diovan HCT is indicated for the treatment of patients who need additional blood pressure control beyond that provided with Diovan or the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide alone.

Diovan HCT is not indicated for the initial treatment of high blood pressure. Diovan and Diovan HCT should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected because they may cause harm or even death to the unborn child. Side effects have generally been mild. The most common side effects with Diovan and Diovan HCT are headache, dizziness and fatigue. Diovan and Diovan HCT are contraindicated for patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the products.

Because of the hydrochlorothiazide component, Diovan HCT should not be taken by patients who have a history of reduced urine output or have had allergic reactions to drugs in the sulfonamide class. Diovan is also indicated for the treatment of heart failure in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.

The most common side effects in heart failure patients with Diovan were dizziness, hypotension and diarrhea. In patients with heart failure, concomitant use of Diovan, an ACE inhibitor and a beta blocker is not recommended. In Val-HeFT, this triple combination was associated with an unfavorable heart failure outcome. Because of the risk of hypotension, caution should be observed when initiating therapy in heart failure patients. Evaluation of heart failure patients should always include assessment of renal function.

For more information or for full prescribing information for Diovan and Diovan HCT go to pharma.novartis or call Kim Fox at 862-778-7692.