Diovan belongs to angiotensin II receptor antagonists, a group of drugs responsible for blood vessels narrowing prevention, thus decreasing blood pressure and generally improving the blood flow process. Diovan is most often used for the treatment of hypertension, as well as in cases of heart failure. It has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of a heart attack proving to be lethal.
Pregnant patients should never use Diovan without warning the healthcare provider about their current state. This medication may cause significant, sometimes even fatal, harm to the foetus in the second and third trimesters. Women of child-bearing age should take care to use effective birth control; in case you become pregnant some time throughout the treatment regimen, warn your doctor at once.
A regular measure of caution when on Diovan would be excluding any alcohol from your daily menu since such beverages tend to lower blood pressure considerably and increase some of Diovan's side effects. Also, avoid using any potassium supplements or salt substitutes during the treatment course, unless you were specifically directed by your doctor to do so.
Remember that to make certain your condition is improving as you are taking Diovan, you will need to have your blood pressure checked regularly. You can do this at your doctor's office as well as at home all by yourself. If you feel fine for days, this is still no reason to stop using the medication. Quite often increased blood pressure has no actual symptoms, nontheless causing damage to the body.
