| Key to ratings for diovan hct: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
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| 1 | High blood pressure | When HCT was added to Diovan, I was sleepy but sleepless, depressed, daily leg cramp, difficult breathing, itching, hemorrhoids sore, fatigue, anxiety, reflux, confusion, restless. I'm 80 years old, had kidney transplants 8 years ago. I have remained fairly healthy and take several different meds. But Diovan which I was told was good for transplant patients, became toxic to me with the HCT added. I would not recomment this medicine to anyone. Rate: 1 | F | 80 | 5 months | 5/15/2009 | 3 | high blood pressure | Doesn't work very well, systolic especially still too high, 0ver 150. | I have been taking Diovan HCT 160/25 for 3 years. Fatigue mild until a few months ago, now it is bad. If I work in the yard for an hour, I require a two hour nap!!!! I have also badly swollen feet, swollen legs, back ache, bottom of my heels hurt when I walk. Blood pressure varies all over the place, which is one of the problems with taking it more often. I kept track for a long time, but Dr. isnt't interested. Had a Holter monitor 24 hours--that Dr. said I could have meds for irregular heart beat, but worry about side effects. I have very bad varicose veins, and once in a while blood clots in superficial veins. I have tried various other bp meds, but had really bad side effects, tho much better bp control. I have been taking Armour thyroid for sixty years, with no side effects, and very,very stable results since the thyroid gland removal. I wish I could find a BP pill that works as well. That is all the meds I take, at age 79. 10 lbs overweight, tho. Always very active and hate being | F | 79 | 3 years | 8/14/2006 | 2 | HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE | FATIGUE, DRY MOUTH AND POSSIBLY LOOSE BOWELS. | COMING OFF SURGERY FOR KIDNEY REMOVAL. AORTIC ANEURYISM IS 4.4 SO DOCTOR IS CHASING THAT SCENARIO. | M | 79 | 2 days | 11/1/2006 | 5 | Moderate High BP | No noticable side effects | Insurance provider dictated switch from Avalide to Diovan HCT. Effectiveness seems to be the same for both | M | 76 | 2 years | 11/28/2005 | 1 | HBP | Extreme fatigue, lowered cognitive skills, total body soreness | My uncle is taking this. He is on the 320/25 along with 20mg of Crestor. Both were prescribed after he had a mild/minor stroke due to blood clot. The medicine seems to be absolutely killing him. Some of these effects are no doubt due to the stroke, but a lot of the symptoms seem due to the medicine. After reading other reviews of both medicines it seems he is on a much higher dosage of both. Seeing the problems that occur from much smaller doses we decided to stop taking both meds today and are going to be more diligent with the exercise/diet. He is a shell of his former self right now. | M | 76 | 14 days | 1/24/2009 | 5 | High Blood Precher | None | No Comments as of Age of 70yr,s till know this is my Mother. Do you have Free30-Day tril Certificate For Diovon 160/.25. | F | 75 | 1/26/2006 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Weight gain, all in the middle, of 30 lbs since taking this drug Cramps in the groin area constantly and sciatic type of pain running down the leg Thinning Hair, dry scalp with patches of dandruff, bleeding and swollen gums, I could have dealt with all of these I guess, because diovan hct lowered my blood pressure to 120/70 for the first time in 30 years....but I began after a few months to have aches and pains all over my body, at first because I am in my 70"s I thought it was Arthritis but later the legs and the back and the hips were in such pain always that I couldn't even sit in a chair or lie down in bed, eye twitching constantly left eye and always a dull headache.....Dr. didn't seem to think it was the Diovan,also diahrea often and sometimes constipation, never had these before. At this writing I stopped the Diovan 2 days ago, and already much of my aches and pains are disappearing, I also changed Dr. the new Dr. said absolutely even my constant dry cough a | I am furious beyond words at the Manufacturer of this medication, it weems from your web site less than 5% of the patients can tolerate this poison.....but while killing you it does lower your blood pressure...... Was rushed to the hospital 2 years ago because the coughing was so bad I couldn't stop for weeks, Drs there treated me for Pneumonia, but it wasn't , it was Diovan...can't tell you what that cost. | F | 75 | 3 years | 11/13/2007 | 1 | I have had just about all the side effects from this drug that other posters have experienced. Leg, ankle, elbow, Knee and lower back aches. Sweating at night, caugh, sinus, and dizziness. Yep, the list goes on. | I have taken myself off this curse starting today and hopefully I will get back to feeling like a human being again. I wish I would have found this website sooner as I thought it was just me, but after reading all these comments I feel like a new person already. I'm also looking for a new doctor. | M | 72 | 1.5 years | 3/26/2007 | 5 | B/P | NONE | MY HAIR DID NOT FALL OUT. I AM 40LBS OVER WEIGHT BECAUSE I QUIT SMOKING 4 YEARS AGO. I TAKE DIOVAN 320/25. MY B/P WAS 180/100. NOW MY B/P IS 120/68. *** I FEEL GREAT *** | M | 69 | 6 years | 3/13/2005 | 3 | high bp | Serious diarrhea and I never considered it could be due to the Diovan hct. It has lowered my bp, but at such expense. My weight gain has also been real and hard to control. What do I do now? I have been taking Diovan for a long time, and had the problem all along. | F | 69 | 4 days | 9/12/2007 | 1 | did not take this | this drug along with diovan fosamax, actonel.boniva evista,,are all bad for the body,,,,they should be banned...wonder if drs prescribe them for family members...all belong in trash can. nuff said. | F | 69 | 0 days | 4/24/2007 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | I started taking this medicine Jan 2009 and right away I only noticed being nausea but thought that would go away. This feeling only got worse and I started feeling so very tired, cold,and depressed. In April I hit a low! I was hit with severe fatigue and nausea. I had the dry heaves, could hardly move, dizziness,heart palpitations, and heaviness of my arms and legs. I have always gone to the YMCA 3 times a week to excerise and had to stop that. I lost 19 pounds in 3 months and could not eat without getting very sick. I went to the doctor and he took me off the Diovan HCT but told me it would take 2 to 3 weeks to get this medicine out of my system. I am starting to feel better after 2 weeks but I still could care less if I eat anything and have to force myself to drink liquids. | I have been on blood pressure medicines for years, I took Avalide and Norvasc but when I changed doctors the first of the year he put me on Diovan 160/12.5 (because it was cheaper) and Norvasc. I never had problems with the avalide but this Diovan HTC has just made a mess of my life.Some days I am so tired I get out of breath just trying to talk. I will NEVER take another one of this medicine. I would rather die than feel like this! | F | 69 | 3 months | 4/25/2009 | 3 | hypertension | Ihave been on Diovan HCT 80/12.5 for four years. I had experienced allergic reactions from 2 previous drugs, Altace and Plendil, esp. altace...facial swelling, tongue swelling. Diovan was great up till a month ago, it brought my BP to normal levels, along with taking 50 mg. atenanol twice a day. Out of the blue facial swelling began, benedryl shot from doctor and Pregasone for a week lessened affect but every two days something would occur..trunk rashes in various places. I did not connect all this to the Diovan. We were in Italy for two weeks where all this still kept happening so I knew it was not reaction to pollen, food, water. Came home last week, stopped diovan and Levastatin myself, saw my doctor who concurred, kept taking atenanol, saw dermatologist to confirm allergy rash. Worst was yet to come. Cheek swelling on both sides last Sat. 5 days off diovan but still in my system, I guess, lasted for over 24 hours before lessening. Then drastic whole tongue swelling quickly began at night began to restrict swallowing, 2 benedryl didn't help, trip to emergency room for IV of benedryl and a steriod. Now on pregnazone for a week, see my doctor in another week to evaluate. I am one of the rare ones who react to this class of drug with swelling and rash. | F | 68 | 4 years | 5/10/2005 | 3 | borderline high blood pressure | Just happened see this web site and now I am wondering...I started taking it in January 2007. Starting about mid december, I started having severe pain in my left leg and a resurgence of my low back pain. Could there be a connection? I also was diagnosed in september with osteo arthritis in my neck with severe pain, for which I take Tramadol. I had suffered occasional neck pain since summer 2007, with aggravation in september. | I plan on stopping Diovan to see if it makes a difference, but I cannot stop the pain med "cold-turkey". I will seek advice for that. | F | 67 | 13 months | 2/9/2008 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Palpitation/irregular heart beats | After my previous medication for high blood pressure (Benicar) that I was taking for 6 years stopped working I was given Diovan HCT (160/25) and Coreg CR in April 2007. The blood pressure came down somewhat but in September I started to experience irregular heart beats and palpitation. I asked my doctor to try something completely different and he switched me to inexpensive generic beta blocker, ace inhibitor and diuretic. Within one week my pulse became normal, my blood pressure and pulse dropped to completely normal. It is hard to prove that the problem was because of the Diovan HCT but it is hard to ignore the results. | M | 67 | 9 months | 2/9/2008 | 5 | hypertension | M | 66 | 7 months | 3/21/2002 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Got rash on hands, thought it was caused by something at work. The rash continued. Several months later I got a severe rash on arms all the way to armpits. Dermatologist gave me a shot of prednisone, and pills, a week later it got worse. He sent me to my primary dr. because it might be from my blood pressure meds. He took me off the diovan and put me on another med. I got another prednisone shot and am still taking the pills, but the rash is still here. Hope it goes away. Skin burns, is cracked and red and itches terribly. | M | 65 | 5 months | 3/3/2006 | 1 | high blood pressure | The roof of my mouth is very sore and is not healing. | I would suggest using alternative methods to lower blood pressure. This is the second medication that I tried. The first one cause me to cough frequently. RESPeRATE is a device that has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without side effects. I am going to look into trying this. | F | 65 | 4 weeks | 6/19/2008 | 4 | HBP | Light headiness, anxiety, cold sweat on first day and this was changing from 160/25 to 320/25 day 2 only light headiness so far but this is not as bad as 1st day | My PCP changed my dosage of Diovan from 160/25 to 320/25 due to work related stress and complaints of increased HBP, claminess, flushed in neck/face, the first day with changed dosage I thought I was dying, cold sweats, light headiness where even lying down made it worse, felt like my heart was in my throat for several hours, but this did subside after approx 8 hrs and i felt like my normal self before end of day, but i must say i was hesitatnt to do day 2- but I did, it is day 2 of higher dosage, I took my Divan at 6am, it is now 8:30am and I feel ok, maybe just a little light headed but nothing great. I made sure I took pill with a good 8oz of water and ate my Yogurt for breakfast, so far so good, I have to check back with my doctor as she ordered a check on my potassium levels as I have been experiencing foot cramps at night, where my toes on left foot feel like they bending up and back (Go figure!) lasts about 10 mins, painful but does subside, not much you can do while cramping. I will continue my new dosage unless symptoms exculate | F | 64 | 4 years | 5/10/2009 | 4 | FOR LOW MY BLOODPR | GO TO BATH EVERY 1-2HR | F | 64 | 6 months | 4/26/2001 | 4 | high blood pressure | dizzy sometimes. Did control the blood pressure somewhat. Added toprol xl and stopped most of the salt in diet and bp is now below 115/70 sometimes as low as 95/60. Feel sluggish since adding the toprol XL but doctor said it was really good medicine for those of us who have had a previous heart attack. | F | 64 | 2 years | 7/14/2006 | 5 | hypertension | small amount of dehydration in extremely hot weather | F | 63 | 5 years | 8/22/2007 | 4 | High Blood Pressure | Have been taking Diovan HCT for past six weeks for job related stress. Haven't previously had high blood pressure. Jumped to 200+ over 107. Diovan HCT reduced it to daily BP of 130's over high 60's to low 70's. Have experienced serious rash on legs and now moving onto body trunk and arms. Have been having unexplained ear aches and considerable unexplained shoulder and neck aches. Have not had any of these problems in the past. Taking Diovan HCT is the only change in my daily routine or intake. Reading this survey I see that others have been experiencing similar or same likely side effects. Will go back to my doctor for discussion. Thanks for making this information available. | Have frequent urination and bowel movements. | M | 63 | 45 days | 9/29/2006 | 1 | high blood pressure | dizziness,cough,weakness and fatigue,aches,raised blood glucose,couldnt sleep at night | after all bad effects, still had high blood pressure in doctors office,although low at home. stopped taking medication and feel like my old self. blood glucose is normal.changed doctors. | F | 63 | 2 years | 1/21/2005 | 1 | high blood pressure | serious pain and weakness of muscles, joints, old injuries became painful again, tired, no strength - first the right hand, after a week all over, everything hurt | pain and weakness started around same time that doc switched me to diovan - complained to no avail - took myself off after 3 months - a month later (now on norvasc) i still experience weakness, muscle pain - especially in hands | M | 63 | 3 months | 4/3/2008 | 4 | Polysystic Kidneys | Nothing negative. Blood pressure is down and I have 100% of my kidney function. | F | 62 | 2 years | 12/7/2007 | 3 | blood pressure was 160/90 range | Dark bumps on trunk and upper body. Hard to heal. Also had red dots on leg that sometimes looked like a scratch. Scars remain on right arm. Saw Dermatologist and tried home remedies. Mother's salve is only one that provides quick healing. Thought it was insect bites. No other incident of such rash. | Lowered blood pressure in the very safe range. Hair combs out in long strands. | F | 62 | 9 months | 4/1/2006 | 2 | High Blood Pressure | Back pain (tingling sensation in upper back); weight gain; severe cramps in legs and feet; elevated Creatine in recent blood test and aching joints. | I am so happy for the feedback that others have provided. I have been miserable for the past two months and my system is totally in shambles. I am now seeing a nephrologist because my Creatine levels have increased dramatically within one month. My joints ache like they never have before and I couldn't believe that I felt so old and tired seemingly overnight. I am anemic and overweight. Now I have a reason to go back to my primary care physician to discuss a new medication. I am shocked that I was not warned regarding the terrible side effects of this drug. I have been on a roller coaster ride first taking 80mg., then 160mg. then 320mg with 25...all the while my blood pressure has been in the range of 110/73 and when I go to the doctor's office it is 150/80. I have ALWAYS had "white coat syndrome" so I really wonder if I need the drug in the first place, and so much of it. I have put myself on a diet due to the weight gain experienced (more than 20lbs since taking the drug). Thanks again to all for sharing your issues with this drug as I now know that I am not imagining the problems that I have experienced. | F | 62 | 2 months | 11/4/2009 | 1 | high blood pressure | For the past six weeks, since I started taking it, I though that I had a virus of some kind. Sever cough, dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, out of breath, heart palpitations, heavy painful arms (especially the left) I usede to enjoy life, walked a mile or two daily, now get out of breath just putting on my clothes. All I want to do is sleep and tha causes me to go into uncontrolled caughing. I am stopping this med today. It keeps me from doing any normal natural things to lower my blood pressure. | I am very dissappointed that this has not worked but I need my life back! | F | 62 | 57 days | 2/18/2009 | 1 | high blood pressure | EXTREME DIZZINESS, EYE FOCUS(BLURRED) SEVERE SENSITIVITY TO SUNLIGHT. I TAKE DIOVAN 160/12.5 DAILY. OCCASIONAL DIRHHREA I TAKE DIOVAN HCT 160/12.5 DAILY. EXTREME DIZZINESS, BLURRED VISION WHEN IN SUNLIGHT, OCCASIONAL DIARRHEA. I ALSO TAKE ATENOLOL 50 mg DAILY. ALSO 40 MG.OF LIPITOR DAILY | THE DIOVAN HAS WORKED WELL WITH REDUCING MY BLOOD PRESSURE, HOWEVER WITH ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS I AM CONSIDERING STOPPING IT AND TAKING A ALTERNATIVE MEDICATION. WHEN I'M (LIKE WHEN i'M GOLFING) IN THE SUNLIGHT I HAVE TROUBLE FOCUSING AND GET VERY DIZZY, IN FACT ONE TIME I ACTUALLY WENT DOWN ON THE GROUND AND SCARED MY FELLOW GOLF PARTNER'S! I ALSO GET LIGHT-HEADED AND FOGGY AT TIMES. THIS HAS ONLY OCCURED SINCE I STARTED THE DIOVAN. MY CARDIOLOGIST INSISTS IT'S NOT THE DIOVAN, I DISAGREE. I JUST HAD A RECENT STRESS TEST AND CAME THRU WITH FLYING COLORS. ALSO MY HIPS BOTHER ME ALOT ESPECIALLY WHEN I WALK FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. MY SEXUAL ABILITY HAS ALSO BEEN AFFECTED. | M | 62 | 4 days | 3/31/2006 | 5 | High Blood Pressure | None other than some joint and muscle pain. | Had BP of 155/105 and was down to average 120/82 with Diovan HTC. Insurance wants to change to Avalide. For the first week my average was back up to 155/105 or more on Avalide. I hope it comes back down to managable levels. | M | 61 | 13 months | 4/1/2007 | 4 | Couldn't ake the HCT, killed sex drive. Dr. put me on just 80mg Diovan once a day. Quickly discovered that it really helped with my erections. Now take about 1-2 hours before sex with tremendous reults. Better and cheaper than Viagra. I don't care if it lowered my blood pressure. First BP pill (and I've taken over 25 different ones) that didn't kill me sexually. | M | 61 | 2 years | 3/14/2006 | 4 | high blood pressure | For the first three days in taking this medication I noticed an increase in urinary frequence. But after that it is back to normal. And I still feel a little light-headed in standing up after sitting for a couple of hours. But nothing major as it quickly goes away. I also have varicose veins and shortly after starting to take Diovan HCT, a blood clot formed in a superficial leg vein. My doctor said that was not related, but I have have varicose veins for at least 5 years with no pain nor problem at all. The coincidence was too strong to me to ignore. So those with varicose veins, be careful and monitor. My doctor now has me on one 235 mg aspirin a day and the clot seems to be stabilized with no further pain. | One great thing is that my blood pressure has been reduced in three weeks from 166/91 to 138/74. So the purpose of the pill does seem to be working well. | M | 61 | 24 days | 12/24/2004 | 4 | high blood pressure | For the first three days in taking this medication I noticed an increase in urinary frequence. But after that it is back to normal. And I still feel a little light-headed in standing up after sitting for a couple of hours. But nothing major as it quickly goes away. I also have varicose veins and shortly after starting to take Diovan HCT, a blood clot formed in a superficial leg vein. My doctor said that was not related, but I have have varicose veins for at least 5 years with no pain nor problem at all. The coincidence was too strong to me to ignore. So those with varicose veins, be careful and monitor. My doctor now has me on one 235 mg aspirin a day and the clot seems to be stabilized with no further pain. | One great thing is that my blood pressure has been reduced in three weeks from 166/91 to 138/74. So the purpose of the pill does seem to be working well. | M | 61 | 24 days | 12/24/2004 | 3 | HBP | Fatigue, dizziness, sweating, very sensitive to heat. Leg cramps, neck pain. | I started with lower dose then was raised to 325/25. I have lost approximately 25 pounds and now the dizziness has worsened, it has lowered my BP but I don't have very much energy and the summer time I am worse. | F | 61 | 4 years | 8/2/2009 | 1 | HBP | A total disater in one month. My doctor understood and changed my meds today and I already feel beter. | M | 61 | 11/20/2007 | 1 | HBP | I was just started on Diovan HCT about one week ago. I am so tired, have fallen asleep at my desk at work. Could not walk either. Called the Doc, he said give it a chance. I tried it at night, could not get up in the a.m. I stopped taking it. I can't deal with this kind of stuff, have an active job, and must be alert at all times. I will not take this drug again. Did not lower my BP that much either. | F | 61 | 7 days | 6/29/2007 | 1 | Hypertension | Lost libido, leg muscle pain(could not ski for 3 years) pain in the hip (could not bike for three years) these are my favorites. The repercution of all of this, I got temperamental, bad sleep dry eyes and mouth. | It took me a while to realise what the problem was, I tought it was caused by my cholesterol medication, I stopped for 10 mths(doctor agreed, nothing changed my doc did not believe Diovan could be the problem, I stopped 5 days ago, the pain is almost all gone from my left leg, the pain in my hip is kind of vanishing, all of this only after 5 days of not taking! | M | 61 | 4 years | 2/25/2006 | 3 | High Blood Pressure | Diovan HCT 320 lowers my BP in the 130s/80s range most of the time. Without meds, my BP skyrockets. I am overweight and I admit I don't exercise enough, that may contribute to the elevated BP. I have been taking Diovan HCT for several months and am now experiencing neck and shoulder problems along with pain in my left hand joints. Currently, am being treated for carpal tunnel/tendonitis in my left hand. My knees are also occasionally stiff. | F | 60 | 7 months | 7/20/2007 | 2 | High Blood Pressure | THE DCT part really irritated by stomach. When taken off the medicine most of the stomach problems stopped. I have tried just the diuretics with contain DCT and they really hurt my stomach also | It did keep my blood pressure under control | F | 60 | 18 months | 7/9/2006 | 2 | to lower blood pressure | constant dizziness, headaches, stumbling, numbness in feet and hands. Balance problems sometimes, pains in back that the doctor says are not caused by anything they can find. It is on my left side. I am calling them and ask that they be changed | I don't think it is a good drug | F | 60 | 14 days | 12/3/2007 | 1 | High blood pressure | Headache, rashes in forehead and hair bottom. One eyelid very swollen and painful. Wake upp many times at night and must take painkillers. | It lowered the blood pressure very quick, but it's not worth this with all bad side effects. I never had medicin before and could therefore maybe be more sensible than others. Now I stopped without talking to dr. and will see if bad side effects will stop. | M | 60 | 20 days | 1/3/2008 | 1 | high blood pressure | I have gain weight, loss of hair, and very tired all the time. I have had blood pressure to go very high all of sudden. I get dizzy spells. I also have a rash all over my face and head. | I plan to get my doctor to put me on something else. | F | 60 | 2 years | 11/26/2007 | 1 | high Blood Pressure | Dry Eyes, Blurry Vision, Joints Swelling, Fatigue,aches and pains I did not have before Decreased sex drive and erections. I just had a new eye exam and told the doctor about my eye problems and as soon as he heard I was on Diovan he told me that it caused severe dry eyes and to take drops 4 to 5 times a day. | I am glad I just Read This I am taking 160/12.5 I am going to stop taking it now. | M | 60 | 4 years | 11/4/2008 | 1 | blood pressure | Pain in all extremities, pain in back, middle of the back and upper back, joint pain I have never had before. I can't believe these side effects are not listed with the side effects of this medicine! Drug companies are unbelievable! | I am going to start taking charcoal today and try and get this crap out of my system as soon as possible. I am so glad I found this website and was able to read what other folks have experienced with this drug. | M | 60 | 60 days | 3/8/2008 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | terrible lower back pain and muscle spasms. Tired all the time no energy | This drug has taken 2 yrs from me. I used to play golf 2-3 days a week. 2 yrs ago (aug 2006) Dr. changed from lisinopril to Diovan Hct 80. Started to have lower back pain and spasms. Only able to play golf once or twice more that year. Went to ER in Dec 2006 with blood pressure 218 over something. Dr. Increased dosage to 160. Back spasms got worse. Have played golf less than 5 or 6 times in 2 yrs. Went back to DR. last month. He wanted to up meds a little. I told him I am retired military and have Tri-care insurance and I pay $32 a month for Diovan. Found Atacand on the list at $3 per month. I asked him to change over to Atacand. Within 2 weeks back pain going away, Hit golf balls last week and played over weekend no spasms. Feel less tired. I can't believe Dr. never picked up on back spasm complaints, he just kept telling me to lose weight and exercise. | M | 60 | 2 years | 8/25/2009 | 1 | HBP | Worked extremely well for almost a year and then all of a sudden the side effects kicked in. Extreme dizziness upon standing or after bending over. Can't do any physical labor for more than a couple of minutes without breaking out in a huge sweat and getting so dizzy I have to hold on to something and can‘t seem to catch my breath. At this point, I ache all over. My mind is going, I can feel it and I try to think, but nothing happens, well, not quite but cognitive factions aren't as sharp as before. This seems to be one of those drugs that, before too much longer, you will see advertisements on TV to “contact the law offices of (insert ambulance chaser’s name here) if you or a loved one . . . Etc. | I just discontinued it and seem to feel better. I stongly recommend anyone who is having any side effects to contact their doctor and flat tell them you aren't taking any more of it. | M | 60 | 1 years | 6/7/2009 | 1 | to combine w/t hct $$$$$$$$$$$ | severe arthuritc sysptoms expecially to shoulders/neck. Extream fatique, swelling, dizzyness. Also presently have anosmia (loss of smell) which occured with a sinus problem!!!! Please contact me if anyone using this drug has loss of smell/taste believed to be caused by diovan. | Drs answers to above. Well you have arthuritis. You tire easily because you need to lose weight. (after being awake for 2 hours???) swelling, common in older folk. Dizzyness is generally from a drop in bp!! Hummmmmmm, ok doc, so what do we do? she says we will keep an eye on it!! been 4 years now and I am about to drop this drug and doctor. I believe my sinus problems may have been caused by this drug and I was spending much time in the country so I dismissed the side effect. Past Jan 07 after a sinus problem, I lost my smell/taste and have been afflicted since then. Please put in subject matter LOSS OF SMELL CONTACT | M | 60 | 4 years | 6/27/2007 | 4 | hypertension | Taking Diovan HCT 160/12.5. First few days very nauseous. Started taking it with food which helped a lot and after the 1st week nausea went away. After 4 weeks BP still was a little on the high side, so Dr. prescribed lexapro for my anxiety. 4 weeks later BP was down significantly. Some days I am extremely tired. But no other side effects. | Seems to be working. Spent several hours in the sun this past weekend (despite the warning on the label!) and on Monday I had quite a few pimples on my face (never had pimples in my life!) But not sure if the mix of sun and medication is what caused the breakout or a reaction to a new moisturizer. | F | 59 | 10 weeks | 8/19/2009 | 4 | elevated bp | dizziness | controlled my blood pressure | F | 59 | 4 years | 3/5/2009 | 4 | high blood pressure | Reduced blood pressure | Notice no obvious side effects | M | 59 | 3 years | 3/15/2009 | 4 | hbp | swollen lacrimal gland, red puffy eyes, dizziness, stuffed up, and muscle aches | Just did not put it together until I found this sight, we are now switching to zestril, will see what happens | F | 59 | 7 years | 2/11/2009 | 2 | hypertension | No particular side effects but it did NOT control my BP | I was advised to switch from Benicar HCT to Diovan HCT by my insurance company since the Diovan was cheaper. My doc said "OK, lets try it". The Benicar HCT had been working great for about two years and my BP was typically 120/80. After one month on Diovan HCT my BP went to 180/130. My doc took me off the Diovan HCT and switched me to a third alternative; if that doesn't work I'm going back to Benicar HCT even though it will cost me more. Maybe the Diovan HCT was cheaper because Novartis knows it doesn't work as well? | M | 59 | 30 days | 6/14/2006 | 2 | HBP | Years on 80mg headaches, palpitations, joint pain, decreased libido. Past year thumping in left ear. The past 6 weeks on 160mg all of preceding plus extremem fatigue & difficulty waking, memory loss, quick weight gain around the middle where I never had a weight problem before, extreme joint pain especially hands and feet, sometimes toes and shoulder. Hair suddenly very dry, profuse sweating (not one to sweat before & it not a hot flash), restless leg syndrome, and general restlessness that wakes me at night). | It makes me feel like I'm 75. Doctors only want to treat symptoms with more meds (except libido for which the Dr only said "That strange usually only men report that." and never addressed it). Has anybody found a better solution. | F | 59 | 6 years | 6/17/2007 | 1 | high blood pressure | stiffness in joints, decreased white blood cell counts, headache, restlessness, weakness (felt faint), very tired | At first it helped lower blood pressure. I was 150/101 range. It lowered it to 120/88 but now blood pressure is spiking and I can't take the side effects anymore. | F | 59 | 3 years | 1/5/2008 | 1 | no | Sweating,heart palpitations,rash,headaches, had vein burst in my thumb every two weeks for four weeks. Doctors ran all kinds of test on my heart and couldn't find anything wrong. About $30,000 worth of test to find nothing wrong except a minor atrial fibrillation that I think was caused by the DIOVAN . Only on Diovan about 9 weeks, as soon as I went off the Diovan my thumb healed and have not had it happen again. The doctors say it was not the DIOVAN, they think I had a blood clot but it's a funny things to me it happened every two weeks for four weeks to the same thumb and as soon as I went off the DIOVAN it stopped. It is still tender at times, I would never take it again. Now they put me on coumandin for the atrial fibrillation that I have had only one episode that I know of, the doctor says I can have atrial fibrillation without knowing it. But now after about 10 weeks of Coumadin I had a urinary infection and bled very badly stopped the coumadin. Problems with Coumandin since | F | 59 | 9 weeks | 4/2/2009 | 1 | HBP | Extreme lightheadedness in the morning after taking the drug, pain in the calf muscles and shoulder pain. It would make me so dizzy I couldn't drive. | Doctor took me off the HCT and I am now on regular Diovan 180 with no side effects except the shoulder pain and that could very well be arthritis or an old injury. I have the BP controlled at an average of 128/66 or less so it appears to be working well without the HCT. This morning dizziness started gradually after a few years on the HCT. | M | 59 | 5 years | 6/10/2009 | 5 | HBP | Early morning erection no longer present. I feel more energic after work (no response from dr) | taking 80/12.5. BP has dropped from 140/104 to 118/78. No more chips. Very little salt. Weekend runner. | M | 58 | 60 days | 1/6/2005 | 4 | High Blood Pressure | Side effects are somewhat bothersome but none are permanent or continuous. Sunlight enhances the side effects. Dizziness especially on getting up or down, headache, teeth clenching, chest area red rashes and marks, red dots on lower legs(thought they were flea bites but didnt itch!)blurred vision on occasion, loose bowel movements, mild anxiety. | Forced to take this medicine when insurance stopped covering avelide. Did lower my bp from 150-90 to around 125/77. Taking medium dose with a small diuretic.(up from a small dose of avelide) Will continue this pill unless side effects get worse. Almost all pills are side effects. After seeing two of my friends die from high bp and one in the hospital, I will try and tolerate the side effects. | M | 58 | 3 months | 7/17/2007 | 4 | High Blood Pressure | I went from Diovan 160/25 which I took for 5 years to 320/25. The 160/25 had no side effects, but the 320/25 which I started about a month ago has given me almost immediate constipation and chest pains, within 1 or 2 days. The 160/25 I took along with Atenol 50mg. | F | 58 | 30 days | 1/24/2007 | 3 | Hypertension | Diovan HCT 80/12.5 twice day, severely turned on me @ 5mo. Wk'd until fatique & purple blotchy limb-rashes appeared. Days later, 100's of red dots on legs started to bleed. Some skin deadened/peeled. HCT had accumulated causing Leukocytoclastic- Vasculitis. I've never been allergic to sulfa-drugs. Dr. said I can no longer use `any' diuretic. It was acquired allergy. Very rare so pills were sent to Novartis to check. 4mo & many calls, no report has surfaced. Many blotches/blood dots on limbs are permanent. Contact MD if this starts. HCT works but you need to know what to watch for. BP is now worse from stress but will try another Rx w/ caution. | It helped lower BP but not significant. BP is higher due to possible rebound affect. Going to try another w/o diuretics or I'm in trouble again. All contain sulfa. I know someone doing well on it, but it's only been 10mo. FDA is being contacted. | F | 58 | 5 months | 9/15/2005 | 3 | Hypertension | Took 160/25 for about 5 years with moderate reduction in hbp. Doctor said we had to go lower, and increased dose to 320/25. Had been experiencing mild to moderate gastric reflux, for which he had me taking both zantac & prilosec. The first day of the increased diovan, reflux increased drastically! Thought I would have to stop eating. Have never had indigestion problems, but looking back, reflux began with diovan. Read somewhere that at age 58, my problem could be low acid instead of too much acid. Stopped taking prilosec & now take acid suppliment with meals. Moved diovan dose from night to morning. Reflux still there, but at least half better. Also 20 year history of fibromyalgia doubled in intensity (for those who aren't familiar, fibro comes with all the commonly listed effects of diovan: aches, pains, fatigue, foggy thinking, sleep disturbance, depression). Frequent urination happened with night dose, but not morning dose. Dry eyes disturb vision. Have been tak | Pressure is down to 130/70, but is it really worth it? | F | 58 | 5 years | 2/8/2009 | 2 | slightly high blood pressure | my ankle, which I injured badly 15 years ago, has begun to ache in the same way, although not as bad but it is constant pain - I'm weaning myself off the Diovan | It did lower my blood pressure, but just a little - that's all I needed to get below the 140/90 threshold | F | 58 | 1 years | 4/21/2008 | 1 | HBP | Am I ever glad I found this site. I have had symptoms for months but hadn't a clue as why. I have, Dizzyness,weight gain, it doesn't seem to be doing that great of a job controlling my BP, possibel depression,lethargy etc. Also I hit the wall around 10 am in the morning. Two glasses of water seem to help whicjh mena sto me I am getting dehydrated. | I am seriously considering discontinuing use. I have started taking ACV and it is having a positive effect. Yesterdazy my BP registered 133/78. That is with the ACV before without it it would be 150/93 with Diovan 320/12.5 | M | 58 | 100 days | 11/29/2008 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Weight gain, thinning of hair, fatigue, blurred vision, fingertips tingling. | F | 58 | 9 months | 12/30/2007 | 1 | Hypertensiojn | Took the pill in the AM and came home from a meeting about 5 PM. All of a sudden I started to feel dizzy and numbness of the tongue and fingers. I took my blood pressure and it kept rising within a 30 minute period. It went from 111/66 to 140/99 with a pulse of 90 within thirty minutes. It scared me to death. Then I went on line to see the side effects of the drug and that scared me to death. I had changed clothes and was ready to go to the hospital. My right arm and chest area was paining me and I did not know what was happening. As I type my fingers are numb and my blood pressure feels as if it has dropped. However, I feel uneasy and light headed. Will go back to my Hyzaar in the AM. I just experienced a scary ride. | F | 58 | 1 days | 6/7/2008 | 1 | Hypertension | dizzy, palpatations, excessive fatigue to point I can't walk through my house. | F | 58 | 3 days | 8/9/2008 | 1 | Diuretic | Muscle pain, cramping, and weakness, light headed, heart palpitations,tingling in hands and feet, blurred vision and confusion and anxiety. | I have noticed since beginning Diovan that the symptoms I have described are getting progressively worse; yesterday I could not make it home from my 5 mile daily run/walk which I have routinely finished for 4 years now. My wife had to run ahead and return with our car to transport me home; we almost went to the emergency room. When these symptoms first began occurring I, initially, suspected it was caused by dehydration so I have carried a "camel back" of water to insure I have water available. This has not helped. I'm now beginning to suspect that there is a potentially very dangerous problem with potassium depletion and, as a result, my electrolytes "tank" when exercise is undertaken. For those of you who do not appreciate the impact of depleted potassium, potassium is critical for nerve message transmission/communication in your body's muscles; every muscle including your heart. I'm contacting my physician this morning to report what happened yesterday and wha | M | 58 | 30 days | 9/15/2008 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Horrible pains and cramps in my stomach. Nausea, vomiting and diarreah. I was so sick. The side effects started about one hour after I took the medicine in the morning, and lasted about 5 hours every day. | I would never recommend this medicine to any one. I was so sick that on some days I couldn't even leave my house. | F | 58 | 2 months | 6/6/2007 | 1 | high blood pressure | severe chronic cough choking gagging on food extremely sensitive esophagus coughing to the point of vomiting | My doctor insisted Diovan was not the cause of this problem after 4 years of specialist appointments and tests I went to a new doctor and started a different blood pressure medication 6 days ago, 75% of this 4 year nightmare is gone | F | 58 | 4 years | 9/18/2004 | 5 | high blood pressure | I've been taking it for about 2 years. I've only now connected it to the fact that my sex drive disappeared about about then too. I'm going to talk to my doctor about switching to something else. | F | 57 | 2 years | 5/10/2006 | 5 | Hypertension | None | Worked very well for me. Dropped BP from 145/93 to 124/70 within days and it stayed at those numbers. | M | 57 | 4 weeks | 12/2/2008 | 4 | blood pressure | M | 57 | 1 years | 11/27/2002 | 2 | HBP | Fatigue, dizziness, reaction to bright sunlight, extreme tension in my neck and shoulders. | Seems that the 2 BP medicines I have taken had similar effects. Lotril and now Diovan. Taking 80mg once daily, as the supposed "entry level" dose, but the side effects are horrible. BP is down from 160/98 to 120/70, but at what price. I cannot continue this way. | M | 57 | 4 weeks | 3/13/2006 | 2 | high blood pressure | My sexal response is way down there. | Doctor put me back on just plain Diovan and I hope it works | M | 57 | 30 days | 12/5/2005 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Fatigue, stomach pian, nausea, dizzy. | Always felt good until taking this medication, now I feel like crap all the time. It did lower my BP. | M | 57 | 3 days | 11/21/2005 | 1 | high blood pressure | awful side effects. Extremely fatigued and sleepy all of the time. Awful pain in my joints. Swelling of face, hands and feet.Awful pain in my left arm and hand, even my finger nails hurt.Loss of hair.Nausea, dizziness,blurred vision and headaches.An over feeling of being sick and fatigued all of the time.My face flushes and turns bright red at times and rash on my chest.Very dry skin. | Diovan 160 hct 12.5 has brought my blood pressure down from 178/100 to 130/80 although it fluctuates at times. It lowers the blood pressure but at what health expense? | F | 57 | 7 months | 4/19/2007 | 1 | hypertension | Same as may of the others. I have been taking Diovan for two years and was just recently taken off because I was diagnosed with Kidey Failure. I blame this drug and Vytorin for my problem....... | F | 57 | 5/5/2008 | 3 | HBP | I have been taking the medicine for over three years now. I have been experiencing pain and aches all over my body more severly in the toes, and the knees. Recently, my toes and knees are getting rashes at the end of the day. The tests have not yielded anything. Last week, I stumbled on this site looking for explanations amongst many. It has stabilized my BP, but still at higher than recommended level. If the discontinuation of the medicines improves my condition which remains to be experienced, but it is more than worth a try. | M | 56 | 3 years | 8/16/2007 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | weight gain, achy joints, flu-like symptoms. Depression, because of the weight gain. Use to be very active and loved to exercise. I have to make myself get up and do something. This just isn't me! I want to feel good again, like I use too. | I'm thinking of going off of it for a week, or so, to see how I feel. I know I need to really watch it, with my family history. I do eat good, plenty of fruits and vegetables, no fried foods; and, I try to walk at least 3-4 days a week, 1-2 miles each day; but, can't seem to get this weight off. | F | 56 | 5 months | 5/21/2008 | 1 | Control High Blood Pressure | Persistent joint pain; loss of erection | I experienced significant joint pain that I falsely attributed to strained ligaments from strenuous labor in remodeling my house. Also experienced loss in erection (never before). I stopped Diovan for the latter reason and the joint pain went away as well. The benefit is not worth the side effects | M | 56 | 180 days | 9/19/2007 | 5 | high blood pressure | none, has been workking better than any other medication I have ever been on | was on three different meds to control my blood pressure now I only take one pill a day | F | 55 | 2 years | 6/7/2007 | 3 | High Blood Pressure | Definite fatigue,dry eyes, muscle twitching,loss of libido. | I have purposely stopped taking the medicine on different occasion to test the side effects and these always stand out. | M | 55 | 5 years | 8/12/2004 | 3 | High Blood Pressure | After six months, gum bleeding started during brushing of tooth, occasionally swelling of legs if tight shoes or socks are worn for few hours; somewhat diminished sexual activities | Taking co-Diovan (Diovan HCT) along with ADALAT (calcium channel blocker) for nearly 6 months. Initially it was DiOVAN with ADADAT for 3 months. BP certainly decreased to normal levels within few days only when Co-Diovan is taken along with ADALAT. No immediate effect of Diovan observed | M | 55 | 9 months | 2/15/2005 | 2 | Hypertension | Extreme Chest Pains during activity after about 5 hours of taking the med. Irregular heartbeats.Did lower pressure but how long before I get rid of the side effects.willing to wait but I am a little on ease because of the chest pains. | Who else is having these problems? | M | 55 | 3 days | 9/20/2007 | 1 | HTN | tacycardia, chest pain | I'm wondering if anyone has had severe tacycardia, palpitations causing chest pain with this drug. I was on it for abaout 8 days and this sent me to the emergency room. I am an avid tennis player and have never, ever had anything like this. Within 2 hrs. of taking this medication the palpitations and pain would start. I was then switched to Toprol XL 100mg and Benecar 30 mg ( another ARB)which did absolutely nothing to lower my BP. Didn't lower it one tiny bit. The Diovan did lower it, but those side effects were absolutely dangerous for me. | F | 55 | 2 weeks | 8/11/2007 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | After taking Diovan for about 3 Months I noticed stiff joints and pain in my neck, fingers, shoulders, knees and hips. I begain walking slower and it was dificult getting up and down. | After 9 months I went to my Dr. and he said a rare side effect was arthritis symptoms. He said I had extreme joint inflammation and took me off of the Diovan. It has now been 5 days since I stopped the meds. & I wonder how long or if I will be free of all the side effects. Does anyone know? | F | 55 | 9 months | 5/2/2007 | 1 | swollen ankles...HBP | Started taking 160mg/12.5mg and "WHAM" my freaking hemorrhoids went absolutely ballistic!!! Severe pain, growths, this is miserable. Also experienced stomach cramps, legs and ankles hurt constantly. @#^)+ this so called medication. | M | 55 | 3 weeks | 1/30/2009 | 1 | h.b.p | blurred vision - lightheaded feeling -tiredness cant do anything on this! led legs -heavy head feeling-massive headaches! | why any doctor would give this crap is beyound me! its bad stuff should be taken off the market! too meny adverse side effects! it might lower blood pressure ok- but its not worth taking due to adverse effects its got ! hair loss too !! ringing in ears ! | M | 55 | 2 years | 5/12/2009 | 1 | high blood pressure | muscle cramps, constipation, rapid heart rate, palutations | M | 55 | 2 months | 5/28/2008 | 1 | Mild HPT | Heavy heartbeat, increased heart rate, sleep interference | Back to the doctor for a different med than this one today. My dr. is conducting tests on my heart to make sure there is nothing wrong. | F | 55 | 5 days | 5/29/2008 | 5 | high BP | she forgot to tell me it was a diuretic..since then I take it in the morn and no problems | I like it ..I had a signifcant drop in my bp and no real side effects | F | 54 | 2 years | 7/25/2003 | 4 | side affects of cough from lisinopr | well at least I slept all night without coughing I thought it made me fell very relaxed but I take it at night however its only day 2 i will keep you posted | I would like to take it by itself and alternate a water pill every other day I dont like messing with my electrolites | F | 54 | 1 days | 11/5/2009 | 4 | High Blood Pressure | Mark Satisfied but only because site requires it. | I am starting today with HCT 80/12.5 B/P averages 140/97 I will check in weekly to let you know how it goes. Great web site and will now lookout for the various side effects if any for me. jc | M | 54 | 0 days | 11/9/2008 | 3 | High Blood pressure | Having to "Run" to the bathroom every hour, flushed skin and makes me light headed at times | It just might be me but I also feel that at times my vision and hearing are impared. It has however lowered my blood pressure to with in a safe range | M | 54 | 1 years | 1/20/2008 | 3 | high BP | RASH! Horrible rash all over my body, so bad on my legs that my legs were dark red/purple. Big red bumps that eventually merged together to form just one big bloody mess. Visits to my general paractioner and 3 visits to a dermatolgist with 3 prescritions for Predisone (not good for a diabetic) neither one of them put 2&2 together even after I told them I suspected a chemical reaction. Finally found a picture on the Mayo Clinic site that made me think of Diovan. Off it 2 months now, legs are just now starting to heal, still have itching, leg swelling. Ankles are the size of soft balls! Goes to confirm that the only one that is really in control of your health is YOU! Doctors don't have the time or interest in anything other than cookie cutter medicine. | Even thought the medicine did control my BP, the side effects made this drug unacceptable. | F | 54 | 11 months | 3/7/2009 | 3 | hypertension | i have been taking diovan 160/25mg for around 3 months. At first i was very nauseous but that since has subsided. I still find i get very achy and seem to suffer alot with backaches. My blood pressure has gone way down which is good as nothing else has helped as much. Cough slight, but not as bad as unertic so i will give it some more time. | F | 54 | 3 months | 9/2/2004 | 2 | Forced to switch by Ins Co./BP | I was taking Avalide but Insurance Co. decided they would not cover it any longer. Since being on Diovan HCT I have experienced swelling of hands-feet-face, major weight gain, fatigued all the time, tinnitus, palpatations at least once a day, chronic sinusitis, blurred vision, muscle fatigue, NO sex drive at all, severe depression, and the list could go on... Dr says give myself time to adjust because it has lowered my blood pressure to acceptable level (but at what cost)? If I force myself to do any heavy cleaning or yardwork I'm exhausted for days. I had no problem with the other BPmeds, took it for years. Approaching menopause shouldnt be magnified by the BP medicine. I didnt feel it until I switched meds. I've been so depressed I dont want to wake up. My sister suggested I go online and check the side effects. Up until 10 months ago I was gliding thru menopause, it didnt occure to me that this sudden and severe mental and physical change might be BP meds. | I will call my Dr. and continue the search for new meds or switch Drs. My quality of life is more important. | F | 54 | 10 months | 5/11/2005 | 2 | HBP | I satarted it 6 weeks ago..wow..side effects..you bet..dizziness..vertigo..leg cramp..stomach pain (that subsided thank goodness)and then a horrible rash on my legs after a short outing in the sun..so no sun tolerance..and no hottubs anymore. You can drink a couple of drinks but causes some left side pain inside. Got to go see the doctor, as I do not want this problem for the rest of my life. | F | 54 | 3 weeks | 5/31/2009 | 2 | to lower blood pressure | headache,swelling and pain in all joints including pain in left arm and hand and chest and lower back with extreme shooting pain extending through left leg , pain in big toes,swelling and pain in sinus above left eye,constant extreme bouts of diarrhea 1-2 hours apart,muscles knotting up so tight they felt like rocks or tumors!!!also literally conking out from exhaustion within two hours of taking this pill!!!walking became extremely painful and breathing became shallow after 5-10 minutes on treadmill at slow speed of 2.8 DAILY LIFE WAS JUST PAINFUL AND WANTED TO DO NOTHING BUT SLEEEEEEEP!!!!! | I noticed one day when I forgot to take this that I felt fine.I then found this website and researched the manufacturers guidelines which said that diovan hct is NOT FOR INITIAL TREATMENT so I then called my friend who is a pharmacist and when I described what I was feeling he immediately said that I probably was being drained by the hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) so I called my primary doctor and switched to diovan without HCT and all symptoms have now gone away and my muscles have returned to normal.my suggestion to everyone is to talk to your pharmacist instead of the prescribing doctor because drs tend to ignore complaints of side effects by saying stupid things such as no other patients have complained!!!It is evident that they dont have the knowledge of the potential side effects of the very pills they are subscribing!!!I do hope that my information can help others on this website HAPPY NEW YEAR! | M | 54 | 13 months | 12/27/2007 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
