Valsartan Forums

Is there a difference between Valsartan and Auro-Valsartan? ## In this case Auro refers to the Canadian manufacturer Auro Pharma Inc. It still contains Valsartan as the active ingredient so there should be little to no difference between Auro-Valsartan and what you would refer to as just Valsartan. I hope this helps! Source: Auro Pharma Product Monograph (PDF), scroll to page 33 for the consumer health summary.

1 REPLY

Our pharmacy has changed the supplier to Solco's Valsartan. It has very strong odor, as of an aromatic compound. It doesn't control the blood pressure very well. Just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced the same? Worried about this issue. I have already complained with the pharmacy. They are going to change them. I wonder what is causing the odor. ## Hello, Zoe! How are you? Actually, most medications do have an odor, but some manufacturers use an outer coating, to keep people from smelling them. However, there are some companies that don't, and when you suddenly receive one of them from your pharmacy, it can seem odd. What have your blood pressure readings been, while taking it? The U.S. FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, h...

8 REPLIES

I have been taking the Sandoz version of valsartan/hctz (80/12.5) for YEARS with no problems. Recently, my pharmacy switched to the Aurobindo version. I feel like it's doing nothing (or little). I thought that the bioequivalency for generics was mandated by law. Did I get counterfeit drugs at Rite-Aid? Nevertheless, the pharmacy was skeptical but accommodating. They faxed over the request to my incredible GP whose office responded within the hour. I can now pick up my Sandoz version again. Anybody else have a similar experience? ## Hello, Kenny! How are you? Did you just feel like it wasn't working, or did you actually check your heart rate and blood pressure to find out? Generics do have to be bioequivalent. But without actually checking, after taking it for a few days, there...

32 REPLIES

Is this drug still being made? The pharmacist I went to said it was not. Please answer so I can find out if I'll be able to get a new prescription. Thanks for your help. ## Hello, Patricia! How are you? Do you happen to know what the markings were on the tablet in question? Or who the manufacturer was, so I can research this further for you? The FDA lists the typical side effects of this medication as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, and hypotension. ## Hello...I have been taking Diovan HCT Brand by Norvartis for many years...Now my insurance will no longer cover it and says I must go to generic...I took Valsartin by Sandoz with no problem but now cannot find a pharmacy that carries this generic Diovan HCT by Sandoz. Do you know if this generic ve...

6 REPLIES

I just got a refill for 160 my Valsartan and it is made in CHINA! This was from OptimumRX. The generic I previously got from CVS was made in the USA. The other label on the container was Solco. The "Made in China" was obscured by the instructions but after carefully peeling them off, it was visible. I am not comfortable taking this very important drug when it is made in China. ## Hello JLC, In the United States medication is regulated by the FDA and has to meet comply with specific criteria in order to stay legal. Some medication is made in the United States and some is made in foreign countries, much in the same way some of our clothes are. Regardless of the pills origins, to be sold in the United States legally they must follow the FDA rules. If you purchased your medication f...

1 REPLY

Hello, does anyone have advice or comments regarding severe sweating when running while taking Valsartan (160mg)? I’m a distance runner and not a huge sweater especially indoors on the treadmill. Today is my second day on this Rx and I had extreme sweating on my whole body. Stopped at 2 miles. Anything to worry about? I drink plenty of Gatorade while running. ## Hello JR, I would like to start by saying our bodies do tend to act differently when we start taking new medications but be cautious because the manufacturer instructs you to immediately seek medical attention of you feel like you are about to faint or that your heart beat becomes irregular. With that being said one of the listed side effects of Valsartan is feeling tired/lethargic. Reportedly this medication can make you ...

1 REPLY

a orange/brownish colored pill with hhh on one side and 03 on the other side. its oval shapped about 1inch ## Is the marking on the other side possibly CG? Can you please double check and post back? If so, Novartis Pharmaceuticals lists this tablet as containing 12.5mgs of Hydrochlorothiazide and 160mgs of Valsartan, sold under the brand name Diovan. It is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure, and certain cardiac conditions. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, headache, dizziness, increased urination, and hypotension. (NDC code: 00781-5949)

1 REPLY

Has HHH on one side and CG on the other ## I am trying to find out what this pill is for. It is an long oval dark reddish looking pill with HHH on one side and 93 on the other side ## Novartis Pharmaceuticals lists this tablet as containing 12.5mgs of Hydrochlorothiazide, and 160mgs of Valsartan, it is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure, and certain cardiac conditions. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, increased urination, headache, and hypotension. You can find more information by clicking this NDC code: 00781-5949 Is there anything else I can help with?

2 REPLIES

Can you stop this med right away if there's too many side effects? I was on metoprolol, that stuff is terrible. Tapering off it now as it kept causing high blood pressure spikes. ## Hello, Ralph! How are you? As reported by the U.S. FDA stopping such a medication abruptly can create the risk of rebound effects, which may include dangoeursbly elevated blood pressure and heart rate, such effects could cause a risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. What problems are you experiencing with it? What are you taking it to treat and what will you be replacing it with? ## Was on metropolo , switched to valsartan , per dr. After one pill of valsartan the next day have problems, get winded just walking to mailbox and back, fast heart rate ,just got back from emerg. Room they checked eve...

11 REPLIES

Valsartan manufactured by Sandoz works fine for me. Valsartan manufactured by Qualitest causes me to have headaches and swollen ankles. ## Hi Beverly, I've seen a lot of posts here dissecting different manufacturer's that work better than others, including ways to ensure you receive the proper brand that works best. Something I would encourage you to do is contact your doctor prior to getting your next prescription written, and ask him/her to specify a particular manufacturer's name on the Rx. By doing this, whichever pharmacy you go to will now have to find a way to abide by the doctor's request or quite simply refer you to another location that does carry the appropriate brand. To avoid further questioning on the pharmacist's part, it may also be a good idea see if...

5 REPLIES

after 20 months threatment for high bloodpressure (Valsartan comp 160/12,5) I got gallstone and jaundice. Newer had this before. Having high bilirubin, you should not use more than 80 mg Valsartan/day.But if I reduce Valsartan , I must use some other medication to combine with Valsartan, not having increased Bloodpressure. Which combination is possible? Thiazid ?

Can Valzaar 40 taken twice lead to back pain and muscle pain in a 72 year old lady? I suffer from LBBB and low EF 44. ## I'm on Valsartan 160-12.5, I short of breath and so tired I no longer have a life. I don't know what to do either if you get any good replies please write on this forum

1 REPLY

my doctor changed Benicar 20 to valsartan 160 is that right? ## Hello, Maggie! How are you? Was your blood pressure still not under control? That 160mgs of Valsartan daily is actually equivalent to 40mgs of Benicar daily. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination and hypotension. ## My doctor took me off ben-i-car 20mg to valsartan 320 mg My question is do I need to concerned? ## Was taking Benicar 20 mg. Benicar is considered a Tier 3 drug. Due to insurance changes, Talked to Dr about change to a Tier 2 drug. He prescribed Valsartin 160 mg. Is the strength of the Valsartin too high?

3 REPLIES

I used valsartan 40 for high bp since 10years but now my bp is not contol suggest me ## It can be normal for our bodies to get used to any given medication and dosage, so it may stop working as well for us. You may need a dosage adjustment, or to try a different medication. The NIH lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, and hypotension. Have you consulted your doctor, yet?

1 REPLY

I used valsartan i.p.40since 10years but now my blood pressure is not in control ## No medication works for someone forever in the same dosage. Our bodies do eventually get used to them and we may need a dosage change, or to try a different medication, according to NIH reports. The typical side effects of this one are listed as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, and hypotension. Are you on any other medications? Has anything else changed in your diet, or lifestyle?

1 REPLY

Valsartan/HCTZ 320-25mg tab LUP ## Hello, Lazarus! How are you? That's an abbreviation for the manufacturer, which in this case is Lupin. The FDA lists the typical side effects of this medication as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, hypotension and dehydration. Is there anything else I can help with? ## The bottle says LUP, yet the pill says LU. Thoughts?

2 REPLIES

What is a "L 235" big oval shaped pill? I thought that it replaced a VH2 for high blood pressure. ## That is correct, it is list as containing 80mgs of Valsartan and 12.5mgs of Hydrochlorothiazide. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, and hypotension. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

What is a pink or orange colored pill with specks on it, and it looks like it has an 'm' or 'w' on one side with 'v 22' on the other? ## This tablet is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals and they list it as containing 12.5mgs of Hydrochlorothiazide and 160mgs of Valsartan, this medication is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure and certain cardiac conditions. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination, and hypotension. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

this brand doesn't seem to work as well as the sandoz brand of my bp med ## I got my prescription filled at the same pharmacy, etc. they switched from Sandoz to qualitest and I've developed a horrible body odor. I know it's from the drug as absolutely nothing else has changed, (soap, lotion, diet, etc) and I had the same thing happen once when I tried a certain brand of diet shake. as soon as I stopped using it, the odor went away. not sure what I can do with the 90 day supply or how I can get the Sandoz now. ## Reilly - eat yogurts 3 a day and 2 apples. Also get a big bag of dried apricots at the health food store and munch. Water, water, water! Also try milk thistle extract from health food store. It'll help some. Good luck. ## @Reilly, If other brands don't cause ...

8 REPLIES

I need valsartan 320/hct and metformin that are gluten free. Just cannot seem to find a manufacturer that is not gluten free. Pleae help! ## Hello, Nancy! How are you? According to a website I found that lists gluten free medications, the Metformin manufactured by Teva is gluten free. However, I am not finding anything listed for the Valsartan/HCTZ, so you may need to ask your doctor about prescribing an alternative. The FDA lists the typical side effects for Metformin as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, stomach pain and hypoglycemia. The typical side effects for Valsartan/HCTZ may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache, increased urination and dehydration. Do you have celiac disease?

1 REPLY