What Is Aliskiren and Valsartan Used For?

The two medications in aliskiren and valsartan work together to lower blood pressure in people who haven't responded well enough to just one medication. The combination drug may also be recommended for those with very high blood pressure or people who already take valsartan and aliskiren individually. Aliskiren and valsartan is not used in children or teens.

An Introduction to Aliskiren and Valsartan Uses

 Aliskiren and valsartan (Valturna®) is a prescription medication approved for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). It is a combination medicine that contains valsartan (Diovan®) and aliskiren (Tekturna®).
 
In April 2012, it was decided that this medication should no longer be available, due to the risks it poses to people with diabetes or with moderate-to-severe kidney problems. Production will officially cease in July 2012.
 
Aliskiren and valsartan can be useful for treating high blood pressure that has not responded adequately to other medications. It is also approved for use in people who will be unlikely to respond adequately to just one blood pressure medication, such as people with very high blood pressure, and for use in people already taking valsartan and aliskiren individually.
 
High blood pressure treatment can decrease the risk of developing health problems that occur with long-term high blood pressure, such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 
However, medications are not a cure for high blood pressure -- exercise and diet are also important (see High Blood Pressure Diet and Exercise and High Blood Pressure for more information).
 
What Is Aliskiren and Valsartan Used For? Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles