Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is valsartan. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used to treat patients with specific heart issues post-heart attack. It may have other uses too.
You should take valsartan exactly how your doctor tells you to. You can take your dose with or without food. Your healthcare team will work to determine the best dose for you and how long you should take it. For more information regarding how to take this medicine and what to do if you miss a dose, read the "Medication Guide".
Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, tiredness, joint and back pain, and upset stomach. These are normal if they are mild and should go away. When starting valsartan or if your doctor increases your dose, you could become dizzy. To reduce this, stand up slowly after you've been sitting or lying down. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. This can include swelling in your legs and feet. You should read the "Patient Information Sheet" to know what symptoms to watch for and when to report them. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and may order blood tests.

Valsartan can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, or before using a salt-substitute that contains potassium.

Valsartan can harm unborn babies. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control methods to use and for how long. Women should not breastfeed.

For best results, continue taking the medicine, and follow your doctor's advice about diet, exercise, and checking your own blood pressure.