Generic Diovan

Diovan (valsartan) is a prescription medicine that treats high blood pressure and is used to prevent heart attack in patients that have experienced cardiac arrest or are in congenital heart failure. It is classified as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). This means that it works by blocking the receptors of the chemical that tells vessels to constrict. By opening vessels, blood may flow more freely from the heart, therefore reducing stress on the heart.

Is Generic Diovan Available?

Patients cannot currently buy generic Diovan (valsartan), as there is no generic form yet available. Many doctors and patients refer to Diovan as valsartan, which can mislead patients to believe that valsartan is the generic version of Diovan. This is an incorrect assumption; valsartan is only the active ingredient in Diovan. In order for generic Diovan to be made, it must contain the active ingredient and should be manufactured by at least two different companies. A generic version of Diovan will not be manufactured until the patent that Novartis Pharmaceuticals owns expires in 2012. However, this date may be extended due to patents for other uses of the drug or lawsuits.

Fake Versions of Diovan

Beware of any generic versions of Diovan that you might find online. These are illegally made, and they are either fake or substandard. In either case, the drug may be dangerous to your health and should not be purchased. Any site that sells drugs without asking for a prescription is also something to watch out for, as it is illegal to sell drugs to patients without prescriptions.

Tell your doctor if you are worried about the price of Diovan, as he or she may have coupons or samples available for you. Diovan’s web site also occasionally offers coupons and discounts.