9 Valsartan Side Effects You Should Know About

Valsartan (Diovan) is commonly prescribed for heart-related conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Valsartan is generally well tolerated, but there are still some side effects you should know about when taking it.

Valsartan side effects at a glance

Below, we’ve listed the common as well as rare but serious valsartan side effects reported in clinical studies. Keep in mind that other side effects are possible. Talk to your healthcare team about any side effects you experience, even if they aren’t listed here.

Common or mild valsartan side effects include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Increased risk of viral infections

• Low blood pressure

• Diarrhea

• Back and joint pain

• Mild increase in potassium levels

• Blurry vision

• Cough

• Vertigo

Rare but serious valsartan risks and side effects include:

• Severely low blood pressure

• Very high potassium levels

• Kidney problems

• Low blood cell counts

• Allergic reactions

Valsartan also has a boxed warning for the risk of harm to an unborn fetus. (A boxed warning is the FDA’s most serious warning for medications.) If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant while taking valsartan, let your prescriber know. There are other blood pressure medications that are safer options during pregnancy.

Let’s look at nine valsartan side effects in more detail, including what to do if they occur.

1. Dizziness

Dizziness was the most common valsartan side effect seen in clinical trials. You may experience dizziness if your blood pressure drops too low. But this side effect can also occur without a drop in blood pressure.

Extreme dizziness may occur if you sit up or stand too quickly. This is known as orthostatic hypotension. To avoid falls, make sure to change positions slowly and hold onto a sturdy nearby object for support when standing up.

Usually, dizziness related to valsartan isn’t severe. It should resolve once your body adjusts to the medication. But it’s a good idea to use caution when driving and doing other activities that require full mental alertness until you know how valsartan affects you.

If your dizziness doesn’t improve or gets worse, let your prescriber know. They may need to lower your valsartan dosage. But don’t make changes to your dosage on your own.

2. Fatigue

You may notice increased fatigue (weakness or tiredness) while taking valsartan. Most of the time, this side effect is short-lived and goes away after a few days.

There are several ways to combat fatigue, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Be sure to stay hydrated and make sure you’re getting enough sleep, too.

If you find that the fatigue caused by valsartan is affecting your quality of life, discuss it with your healthcare team. They may decide to switch you to a different dose or medication.

3. Headaches

Headaches are also possible with valsartan — especially in people taking it for high blood pressure. In most cases, headaches are mild or moderate and resolve after a few weeks of treatment. They also seem to be less common with valsartan than with other blood pressure medications.

A simple way to avoid headaches is to keep yourself hydrated. If you need an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is likely your safest choice. That’s because ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can interact with valsartan and make it less effective.

If you experience headaches that don’t improve or get worse while taking valsartan, let your healthcare team know. Severe, persistent headaches could be a sign of a more serious health issue.

4. Low blood pressure

As mentioned, valsartan helps treat high blood pressure. In some cases, it can make blood pressure drop too low. This side effect seems to be more likely if you’re taking valsartan for heart failure. You also have a higher risk of low blood pressure if you’re dehydrated, eating a low-salt diet, or taking a diuretic (water pill).

If your blood pressure drops too low, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. It could also cause you to pass out in severe cases. If you start to feel unsteady on your feet, it’s best to sit or lie down. Only get up when you feel less dizzy and able to move around safely.

Your prescriber will likely keep an eye on your blood pressure while you’re taking valsartan. Or they may have you check it on your own at home. If your readings are consistently low or you’re having symptoms of low blood pressure often, be sure to let them know.

5. Nausea and stomach pain

Valsartan can cause nausea and stomach pain in some people. These side effects aren’t very common, and should improve over time if they occur.

You can take valsartan with or without food. But taking it with food may help ease nausea symptoms. Other home remedies for nausea include staying hydrated and avoiding spicy or fried foods. There are also OTC medications you can take for an upset stomach with your prescriber’s OK.

Sometimes, nausea and stomach pain can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Let your healthcare team know if your symptoms worsen or become severe.

6. Cough

Valsartan may cause a dry cough in some people. This side effect is more common with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors than with ARBs. But in rare cases, it can happen while taking valsartan.

Valsartan can also raise your risk for viral infections (such as the common cold), which can cause a productive cough that sounds wet and brings up mucus. Viral infections typically resolve on their own. But let your prescriber know if you aren’t feeling better in a week or so.

If you experience a persistent, dry cough while taking valsartan, let your prescriber know. They can help rule out other potential causes and determine if you should stop taking valsartan.

7. High potassium levels

High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can occur while taking valsartan. You have a higher risk for this side effect if you’re living with kidney problems or taking other medications that cause high potassium levels.

High potassium levels may not cause noticeable symptoms. The most likely are nausea and fatigue. In rare cases, high potassium levels can lead to more serious problems, such as a fast heart rate, chest pain, and muscle weakness. If you develop these symptoms, seek emergency medical care.

Your prescriber may order periodic blood tests to make sure that your potassium level is within a normal range while you’re taking valsartan. If your level is high, they may adjust your valsartan dosage or switch you to a different medication.

8. Back and joint pain

Some people taking valsartan may experience back or joint pain. It’s not clear why this happens, and it’s not a common side effect.

Stretching can be a great way to improve your range of motion and lessen muscle stiffness. For mild back or joint pain, there are OTC gels, creams, and patches that can help provide relief. Acetaminophen may also be a good option. But it’s best to talk to a pharmacist or your prescriber before taking any OTC pain medications, as some may raise your blood pressure.

If your pain becomes intolerable, let your healthcare team know right away so they can investigate the issue. You may need an alternative to valsartan if it doesn’t resolve.

9. Kidney problems

ARBs are known to help protect kidney function. But in rare cases, serious acute (sudden) kidney damage may occur while taking valsartan. People who already have kidney problems are at a higher risk for this side effect.

The main sign of acute kidney damage is a reduction in the amount of urine you make. You may notice you’re peeing less often or a smaller amount than usual. Swelling of your arms and legs may also occur. If you develop these symptoms, seek medical care right away.

Your prescriber will keep an eye on your kidney function while you’re taking valsartan. They’ll also look at your medical history before prescribing valsartan to make sure it’s safe for you.

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Written by:

ThienLy Neal, PharmD

ThienLy Neal, PharmD, has over 10 years experience in the pharmacy field, including in such settings as retail, hospital, compounding, and managed care. She has led various clinical programs while focusing on medication adherence programs, specialty drug initiatives, and polypharmacy safety initiatives.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC is a senior pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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