Shall we talk about the blood pressure medication Valsartan?

High blood pressure, or 'pressure' as we all know it, is a common health problem in our country today. Perhaps your doctor has prescribed medication for this condition. If you have been prescribed a medication called 'Valsartan', then this article will be very important for you. Let's talk simply and clearly about what this medication is for, how to use it properly, and what are the things to be careful about.

What is Valsartan?

Simply put, Valsartan is a medication that is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure . It is also sometimes used to prevent further damage to the heart after a heart attack.

So how does this work? Think of the blood vessels in our body as pipes that carry water. When the pressure increases, the pressure inside these pipes increases. Valsartan relaxes these blood vessels a little. Then the blood vessels widen a little, making it easier for blood to flow. This reduces blood pressure and reduces the workload on our heart to pump blood. Medically speaking, this belongs to a class of drugs called ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers).

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before prescribing Valsartan, your doctor will ask you some questions. But it's important that you also inform your doctor about these things.

• If you already have heart failure.
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have allergies to valsartan, any other medicine, food, or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant (this is very important).
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.

• Take it on time: Take this medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. Make this a habit.
• If it is a liquid: Sometimes this medicine can be given as a solution. If so, use the special oral syringe, spoon, or dropper provided to measure the exact amount . Do not measure with household teaspoons, as they are not very accurate.
• With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset after taking this. If this happens, take it with food.
• Do not stop halfway: Continue using this medicine until your doctor says, "Enough, stop." Even if you feel better, do not stop suddenly.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Sometimes we may miss a dose. If this happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

When you take valsartan, it may interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Be especially careful with these medications:

• Aliskiren (this is also a medicine for blood pressure)
• ACE inhibitors (e.g. enalapril, lisinopril)
• Diuretics (medicines that we call "water pills" and that remove water from the body)
• Lithium
• NSAIDs (painkillers - e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Potassium-containing salt or supplements

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Regular checkups: Go to your doctor's appointments and get yourself checked. If you've been told to check your blood pressure at home, do it regularly.
• Other medications: If you have a cough, cold, or body ache, don't take over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor first. Some painkillers, such as some over-the-counter medications, can increase your blood pressure.
• Pregnancy: This is very important.

If you are a woman, if you are planning to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor immediately. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby.