Aliskiren (Tekturna) reduces the effect of
renin, and the harmful process that narrows blood vessels. Aliskiren also helps
blood vessels relax and widen so blood pressure is lower. Valsartan (Diovan) can
help lower your blood pressure by blocking a potent chemical, angiotensin II,
that leads to blood vessel constriction and narrowing.

Valturna may be used to lower high blood
pressure in adults:

• when one medicine to lower high blood
  pressure is not enough
• as the first medicine to lower high
  blood pressure if your doctor decides that you are likely to need more than
  one medicine

Valturna has not been studied in children
under 18 years of age.

Your doctor may prescribe other medicines
for you to take along with Valturna to treat your high blood pressure.

What should I tell my doctor before
taking Valturna?

Tell your doctor about all your medical
conditions, including whether you:

• have kidney problems
• have liver problems
• have ever had a reaction called
  angioedema, to another blood pressure medicine. Angioedema causes swelling
  of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms and legs, and may cause difficulty
  breathing.

arepregnantor planning to become
pregnant. See IMPORTANT WARNING.

• are breast-feeding. It is not known if
  Valturna passes into your breast milk.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines
you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and
herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:

• other medicines for high blood pressure
  or a heart problem
• water
  pills (also called "diuretics")
• medicines for treating fungus or fungal
  infections
• cyclosporine (a medicine used to
  suppress the immune system)
• potassium-containing medicines,potassium
  supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium
• atorvastatin

Your doctor or pharmacist will know what
medicines are safe to take together. Know your medicines. Keep a list of your
medicines and show it to your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take Valturna?

• Take Valturna exactly as prescribed by
  your doctor. It is important to take Valturna every day to control your
  blood pressure.
• Take Valturna once each day, about the
  same time each day.
• Take Valturna the same way everyday,
  either with or without ameal.
• Your doctor may change your dose of
  Valturna if needed.
• If you miss a dose of Valturna, take it
  as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the
  missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular time.
• If you take too much Valturna, call
  your doctor or a Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital
  emergency room.

What are the possible side effects of
Valturna?

Valturna may cause serious side effects:

• Injury or death
  to an unborn baby. See IMPORTANT WARNING.
• Low blood
  pressure (hypotension). Your blood pressure may get too low if you
  also take water pills, are on a low-saltdiet,
  get dialysis treatments, have heart problems, or get sick with vomiting or
  diarrhea. Drinking alcohol and taking certain medicines (barbiturates or
  narcotics) can cause low blood pressure to get worse. Lie down if you feel
  faint or dizzy, and call your doctor right away.
• Angioedema.
  Aliskiren, a component in Valturna, can cause swelling of the face, lips,
  tongue, throat, arms and legs, or the whole body. Get medical help right
  away and tell your doctor if you get any one or more of these symptoms.
  Angioedema can happen at any time while you are taking Valturna.

Common side effects of Valturna include:

• Tiredness
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Flu or flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness

Tell your doctor if you have any side
effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the
possible side effects of Valturna. For a complete list of side effects, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.