Valsartan Side Effects
Common valsartan side effects include headache, nausea and diarrhea. Less common and serious side effects of valsartan may include allergic reactions, difficulty breathing and kidney problems. Some valsartan batches were recalled in 2018 because of contamination with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a possible carcinogen.
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- Last Modified: July 19, 2024
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- Hyperkalemia
- High levels of potassium in the blood.
- Reduced Kidney Function
- Worsening of kidney disease.
- Liver Damage
- Elevated liver enzymes and rare reports of hepatitis.
- Cancer Risk
- Caused by NDMA-contaminated batches in recall.
Latest Side Effects of Valsartan
According to the FDA, increased blood pressure, dizziness and hypertension were the most commonly reported side effects of valsartan as of Mar. 31, 2024.
| FDA Adverse Event Reports for Valsartan Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Total cases reported | 34,951 |
| Serious cases (including deaths) | 31,042 |
| Deaths | 3,922 |
Disclaimer: Reports sent to the FDA don’t necessarily mean the drug caused an adverse event. Consult a health care professional before stopping or changing medication.
Common Side Effects of Valsartan
Common side effects of valsartan resemble flu symptoms, such as coughing, fatigue, nausea and joint pain. Most valsartan side effects are mild and brief, and most people don’t need to stop taking the drug to feel better.
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Blurry vision
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- High blood potassium
- Joint or muscle pain
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Valsartan side effects are also listed on valsartan’s drug label. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned about any of them.
Serious Valsartan Side Effects
The most severe valsartan side effects include allergic reactions, high potassium levels and kidney problems.
Some people have filed valsartan lawsuits after taking valsartan and being diagnosed with cancer. According to the FDA, approximately 1 in 8,000 individuals who took the highest dose of NDMA-contaminated medications over four years may develop cancer because of these drugs.
Starting in July 2018, the FDA recalled some valsartan batches due to the presence of NDMA, a chemical likely to cause cancer and liver damage in humans. There is no evidence of NDMA contamination in valsartan manufactured after the recalls.
Consider discussing these potential side effects with your doctor if you take valsartan.
Case Study: Valsartan Contamination and Cancer
Background
In court documents, Judith Thomas claims her deceased husband, Sebastien Thomas, died after developing stomach cancer, cancer of the small intestine and esophageal cancer. She claims Sebastian’s treatment with blood pressure medications Valsartan and Losartan caused the cancers.
Contamination Issue
According to Reuters, in less than a month, over 50 companies that make finished medications containing valsartan have had to recall those products due to NDMA and NDEA contamination. These are chemicals known to cause cancer. The contamination, which traces back to manufacturing processes in factories in China and India, has affected drugs sold since 2012.
Legal Steps
Individual cancer-related Valsartan lawsuits, like Judith’s, have become a significant nationwide action. As of July 2024 there were 1,254 lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation in New Jersey federal court.
Impact
Sebastien Thomas’s death highlights the potential consequences of drug contamination. Judith Thomas’s lawsuit seeks to raise awareness about the risks of allegedly contaminated medications.
Valsartan and Kidney Problems
Some people taking valsartan may develop kidney problems or experience increased levels of potassium in the blood, especially if they have heart failure or existing kidney problems.
Weight gain and swelling in the face, ankles, hands or feet are symptoms of kidney impairment. If you have a kidney or heart condition, it is important to inform your doctor before taking valsartan.
Allergic Reactions Associated With Valsartan
Valsartan may cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Any of these symptoms could indicate a medical emergency:
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue.
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, which may include wheezing, feeling of choking or gasping for air.
- Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
- Bluish, gray or pale color in the skin, tongue or lips. (This may be easier to observe on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet for individuals with dark skin.)
- Sudden confusion, drowsiness or dizziness.
- Unconsciousness.
- In children, signs may include lack of responsiveness or unusual limpness, including difficulty lifting their head or focusing on your face.
People allergic to valsartan may experience angioedema, a severe skin swelling. The label advises against retaking valsartan after this reaction.
Pregnancy Side Effects of Valsartan
Do not take valsartan if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. Stop taking valsartan immediately if you discover you’re pregnant.
Doctors strongly advise against taking valsartan while breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether the medication passes to the newborn through breast milk. It’s best to discuss alternative medications with your doctor until your baby can eat solid foods.
Liver Damage and Valsartan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that certain individuals who used valsartan experienced increased levels of liver enzymes. Though rare, patients also reported cases of hepatitis to the FDA.
Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions may experience effects comparable to double the drug dosage compared to those with regular liver function.
Other Reported Side Effects
Other reported side effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction and hair loss, although there is little evidence for sexual dysfunction and hair loss.
Sexual Function Side Effects of Valsartan
Although some patients have reported instances of impotence after taking valsartan, studies suggest that valsartan may have a positive effect on sexual function, especially in people with high blood pressure.
A 2020 literature review published in the Porto Biomedical Journal found that valsartan often increased sexual activity, particularly in men ages 40 to 49 and improved erectile function and sexual desire. Compared to similar drugs, valsartan did not negatively affect erectile function or testosterone levels.
There is little reason to fear that taking valsartan will impact your ability to have or enjoy sex. There are no FDA label warnings about erectile dysfunction.
Does Valsartan Cause Weight Gain?
Studies have shown that weight gain is not a prevalent side effect of valsartan. Some people who take the medication experience a modest weight gain, but most experience no weight changes.
If you gain significant weight while taking valsartan, the change may stem from increased water retention caused by kidney problems. This symptom, especially if accompanied by swelling in your feet, ankles, hands or face, could indicate a medical emergency.
No scientific studies link taking valsartan to hair loss. It is not included on the drug’s label as a side effect. Some people who take the drug may experience hair loss, but it is unlikely to have been caused by the medication.
Editor Lindsay Donaldson contributed to this article.
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