Diovan HCT, also known generically as Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide, has great results when used to treat high blood pressure. Unfortunately, its effects on pregnancy aren't nearly as optimistic.

Diovan HCT and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

Diovan HCT is a combination angiotensin II receptor blocker and diuretic, relaxing the blood vessels and helping the kidneys eliminate fluid and sodium from the body. The drug is safe for most healthy, non-pregnant patients unless they're allergic to sulfonamides, they have severe kidney problems (or find urinating difficult) or they're taking Dofetilide or Ketanserin.

There are a number of other conditions and medications that may interact with Diovan HCT, and when you're considering using Diovan HCT or Valsartan/Hydrochlorothizide after your pregnancy you should ensure your doctor is aware if you have a history of any of the following:

  • Food or drug allergies, even if seemingly unrelated
  • Severe reaction to angiotensin II receptor blockers or angiotensin converting enzye (ACE) inhibitors, such as Captopril
  • Dehydration
  • Low blood volume
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Heart problems
  • Liver, kidney or gall bladder conditions
  • High cholesterol/lipids
  • Lupus
  • Recent nerve surgery
  • Low blood sodium, potassium, chloride or magnesium levels
  • High blood calcium levels

You should also let your doctor know if you're using an adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosteroids, other diuretics, narcotics (for pain), other blood pressure  medications, barbiturates, NSAIDS, Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Diazoxide, Digoxin, lithium, muscle relaxants, potassium and diabetes medications.

Diovan HCT and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothizide During Pregnancy

Now for the meat and potatoes of the article-the effects of Diovan HCT and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothizide during pregnancy. Many of the medications on the market today are a little fuzzy in terms of their long-term effects on a fetus or nursing infant. There is no such ambiguity when it comes to Diovan HCT and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothizide.

Fetuses exposed to Diovan HCT in the past have presented with deformities of the head and face, nervous or cardiovascular developmental delays and, in some cases, fetal death. It's been categorized as an FDA Category C during the first trimester and Category D during the second and third trimesters. Category C medications show side effects in animal studies but have no human clinical trials to back them up. Category D medications are clearly harmful to the fetus and are considered dangerous for use during pregnancy. Your doctor won't leave you on Diovan HCT or Valsartan/Hydrochlorothizide during your pregnancy unless the risk to you and the fetus is less than the benefits of the drug.

Buying Diovan HCT After Pregnancy

After your pregnancy there's a very good chance you're going to go back on Diovan HCT or Valsartan/Hydrochlorothizide, so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that there's a way to put more money into the diaper fund while still managing to get the medication you need. Take some time during one of those late night feeding sessions and compare prices between U.S. and Canadian pharmacies on the web. If you are without insurance, you may be able to save a considerable amount of money when you buy cheap Diovan HCT from an online Canada pharmacy and other Canadian prescriptions that you need. You might be surprised at how much you can save-and when college is looming in the future, every little bit counts.