What is aliskiren and valsartan?
Aliskiren is an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication. It works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
Valsartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
The combination of aliskiren and valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Aliskiren and valsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about aliskiren and valsartan?
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aliskiren and valsartan could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Before you take aliskiren and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), heart disease or recent heart attack, congestive heart failure, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
If you take aliskiren and valsartan with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren and valsartan.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren and valsartan. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking aliskiren and valsartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aliskiren (Tekturna) or valsartan (Diovan), or if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or itraconazole (Sporanox).
To make sure you can safely take aliskiren and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
congestive heart failure;
heart disease or recent heart attack; or
if you are on a low-salt diet.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aliskiren and valsartan could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether aliskiren and valsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby.