Valent belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARAs). Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes vessels to tighten which leads to increase in blood pressure. Valent works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax and blood pressure is lowered.

There are many blood pressure-lowering medicines which can be considered safe. Use of these medicines varies from person to person and can be based on various factors such as age, gender, other co-existing diseases, etc. For instance, a person below 55 years of age having no other coexisting disease may be prescribed angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARAs) (e.g., Valent, losartan, olmesartan) or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, captopril, or enalapril) by the doctor.

Valent should not be given to patients who are allergic to it, have severe liver disease, have diabetes, or impaired kidney function. Its use should be restricted if you are being treated with blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren. It is important to know that a pregnant lady or one who intends to become pregnant should not use Valent.

A substantial decrease in blood pressure can be experienced within 2 weeks of starting Valent. The medicine may take up to 4 weeks to show its complete effects.

No, do not switch to a different Valent product unless your doctor says that you should. Since you have to take it daily, keep a stock of it. Each Valent product releases the medication differently in your body and cannot be used interchangeably.

Valent does not generally affect the working of a proper functioning kidney. However, it should be cautiously used in patients who have existing severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) and are on dialysis as there is limited data to support the safety of these patients.

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

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

Continue taking Valent 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 life long, since Valent does not cure high blood pressure or heart failure but controls them.