Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-cidofovir
-dofetilide
This medicine may also interact with the following:

-aliskiren
-ACE inhibitors, like enalapril or lisinopril
-cholestyramine
-colestipol
-digoxin
-lithium
-medicines for blood pressure
-medicines for diabetes
-medicines that relax muscles for surgery
-NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
-potassium salts or potassium supplements
-other diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone, or amiloride
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-diabetes
-gout
-heart failure
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-lupus
-pancreatitis
-an unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

Visit your health care provider for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medicine without asking your health care provider for advice. Some medicines may increase your blood pressure.
Women should inform their health care provider if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Talk to your health care professional about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your health care provider. You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your health care provider. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.
Check with your health care provider if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.
To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.