Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with
the NHS website.
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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.
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Side Effects Of ValsartanNHS medicines information on side effects of valsartan and what you can do to cope.Like all medicines, valsartan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects often get better as you get used to the medicine. Common side effectsThese common side effects of valsartan happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them: If this advice does not help and any of these side effects continue, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effectsIt happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects after taking valsartan. Call 111 or call a doctor straight away if: - the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin - this can be a sign of liver problems
- you bruise more easily than usual, get reddish-purple spots on the skin, bleed for longer from cuts to the skin, or bleed from your gums or nose - this can be a sign of thrombocytopaenia (low platelet count)
- you feel weak, have an irregular heartbeat, pins and needles and muscle cramps - these can be signs of changes in the potassium levels in your blood
Serious allergic reactionIn rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to valsartan. Long-term side effectsTaking valsartan for a long time can sometimes cause your kidneys not to work as well as they should. Your doctor will check how well your kidneys are working with regular blood tests. Other side effectsThese are not all the side effects of valsartan. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
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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. | ![](/images/spacer.gif) |
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Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.
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