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Valzek is a drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure, and after a recent heart attack. Its active substance is valsartan (valsartanum). The drug is available in two doses, which contain 80 or 160 mg of the active substance.
Valzek – dosage and method of application
The drug is used orally, it can be taken regardless of meals. Its dose and frequency of use is determined by the attending physician.
Before using the drug, read its properties described in the leaflet. Do not take the medicine after the expiry date stated on the package. The preparation should be stored in the original, tightly closed packaging, in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements described in the leaflet, out of the sight and reach of children.
In the treatment of high blood pressure, an initial dose of 80 mg once daily is recommended. The drug produces a noticeable effect within two weeks, but is maximum effective after one month. In some patients the dose may be increased to 160 mg. The maximum dose is 320 mg daily. Valsartan can be used with other medicines to lower blood pressure.
In patients who have recently had a myocardial infarction and are already in a stable condition, treatment with the preparation can be started 12 hours after the diagnosis of the infarction. The initial dose of the drug is 20 mg twice a day. Over the next few weeks, the dose should be gradually increased to 40 mg, followed by 80 (after three weeks of treatment) and 160 mg (after three months) twice daily, with 160 mg being the target dose given twice daily. The dose should be reduced if the patient develops symptoms of hypotension or renal dysfunction. Valsartan can be taken by patients taking other drugs used after a myocardial infarction, e.g. acetylsalicylic acid, thrombolytic drugs, statins, diuretics and beta-blockers.
See also: Some drugs containing valsartanum have been withdrawn from sale
An initial dose of 40 mg valsartan twice daily is recommended in heart failure. Then, at two-week intervals, the dose is increased successively to 80 and 160 mg, until the highest dose that the patient tolerates (the maximum dose is 320 mg). Concomitant use of diuretics is an indication for a dose reduction of valsartan.
There is no need to adjust the dose of valsartan in elderly patients.
Valzek – contraindications
The attending physician should be informed about hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation, as well as about kidney, liver and heart diseases. The doctor should take into account other drugs that lower blood pressure, preparations containing potassium or increasing its concentration in the blood, and lithium preparations. The physician should be informed about all recently taken drugs, including those available at the pharmacy without a prescription. The drug should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
Valzek – side effects
As with all medicines, Valzek may or may not have side effects, including dizziness and headaches, upper respiratory tract infections, viral infections, rhinitis, sinusitis, cough, diarrhea, back and abdominal pain, feeling fatigue, nausea, joint pain, pharyngitis. Less common are: edema, changes in the blood picture, insomnia, decreased libido, rash and increased levels of potassium, creatinine and total bilirubin. Hypersensitivity reactions are extremely rare.
Valzek and driving
If side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness or weariness, occur, they may pose a risk to operating machinery and driving.
Valzek – replacements
Other preparations that contain valsartan and are available on the market include:
- Valsartan Aurovitas,
- they help
- discuss,
- Valtap,
- Nortivan Neo.
The decision to change the drug and determine the dose should be made by the treating physician.
Valzek – drug withdrawal
By the decision of the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector, in August 2018, medicines for hypertension containing valsartan (valsartan), including Valzek, were withdrawn from the market. The withdrawn batches contained the active ingredient supplied by the Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which did not meet the set standards. Withdrawn drugs cannot be purchased at a pharmacy, and already purchased preparations should be discontinued. Medicines with valsartan from another supplier are available on the Polish market – they should be replaced with a preparation from the list of drugs that have been withdrawn from the market.
Valzek – price
Valzek was on the list of reimbursed drugs. It can be downloaded for free or purchased for about PLN 25.