A substantial decrease in blood pressure can be experienced within 2 weeks of starting Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide. However, the medicine may take up to 4 weeks to show its complete effects. Talk to your doctor in case you have any concerns regarding Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide, but do not stop taking it without consulting the doctor.

There are many blood pressure-lowering medicines which can be considered safe. The doctor will advise the exact use of these medicines, keeping various factors such as age, gender, other coexisting diseases, etc. into consideration. Also, the effect of the medicine and response of the patient can vary from person to person. For instance, a person below 55 years of age having no other co-existing disease may be prescribed angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARAs) (e.g., Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, olmesartan) or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, captopril or enalapril) by the doctor.

Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide does not generally affect the working of a proper functioning kidney. However, there is limited data to support the safety of patients who have existing severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) and are on dialysis. Hence, Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide should be used cautiously in such patients. It should only be used when advised by the doctor.

Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide should not be given to patients who are allergic to it, have severe liver disease, have diabetes or impaired kidney function. Also, its use should be restricted if you are being treated with blood pressure lowering medicine containing Aliskiren. In addition to that, Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you are not sure or have any queries, consult your doctor.

No, Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide does not cause weight gain as a side effect. However, if your kidney function deteriorates, your body may swell due to the accumulation of water (fluid retention), resulting in weight gain. Inform your doctor if you experience any unexplained weight gain or swelling in your feet, ankles or hands.

Continue taking Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop taking it even if you start feeling better. You may even have to take it lifelong, since Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide does not cure high blood pressure or heart failure but controls them.

Taking Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide during the last months of pregnancy can cause serious harm or even endanger the unborn baby. Therefore, do not take Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide, stop taking Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide and call your doctor immediately.

No, do not switch to a different Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide product unless your doctor says that you should. Since you have to take it daily, keep a stock of it. Each Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide product releases the medication differently in your body and cannot be used interchangeably. Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding Valsartan+Hydrochlorothiazide, consult your doctor.