*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

About Valsartan

NHS medicines information on valsartan - what it's used for and key facts.

Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It's also sometimes prescribed after a heart attack.

It relaxes and widens your blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Some people take valsartan in combination with other medicines:

with amlodipine (brand name Exforge) to treat high blood pressure
with hydrochlorothiazide (brand name Co-Diovan) to treat high blood pressure
with sacubitril (brand name Entresto) to treat a type of long-term heart failure

Valsartan is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow.

Key facts

Valsartan is often prescribed if you have to stop taking a similar medicine because it gave you a dry, irritating cough.
If you get very bad diarrhoea or start being sick (vomiting) from a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking valsartan until you feel better.
The main side effect of valsartan is feeling dizzy, but it's usually mild and does not last long.
Valsartan is not normally recommended in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant or you're already pregnant.
Do not use salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt while taking valsartan. They contain potassium and can make the levels of potassium in your blood too high.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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