*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.

Taking Valsartan With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with valsartan and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way valsartan works.

Tell your doctor if you're taking:

other medicines to help lower your blood pressure, including aliskiren, enalapril, captopril, lisinopril or ramipril
painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib or etoricoxib
aspirin (if you are taking more than 3g a day)
potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium
heparin - a medicine that helps prevent blood clots,
diuretics (medicines which make you pee more)
lithium, a medicine for mental health problems
spironolactone, a medicine to treat heart failure

Mixing valsartan with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say that herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with valsartan. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

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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