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Is Valsartan in short supply nationwide?

Posted , 3 users are following.

andy4
andy4

I have been on Valsartan for my high blood pressure for two years. The pharmacist told me this week that Valsartan is in short supply and changed it to Losartan potassium.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • louise21984
    louise21984 andy4

    Posted

    Losartan is not the same as Valsartan.  (Diovan).  Losartan is not as selective.  It can cause dryness in your lungs.  Valsartan is probably difficult to obtain because it's now out of the Patent period - the pharmaceutical company doesn't make as much money now. 
  • charles67285
    charles67285 andy4

    Posted

    My wife picked up hers yesterday, I would phone one or two chemists for the correct story
  • louise21984
    louise21984 andy4

    Posted

    It was unavailable for a few weeks a couple of months ago.  The Diovan patent ran out, and they stopped producing it.  The generic version was difficult to get hold of.  My pharmacist enquired, and my GP, and that's what they found.  Valsartan may be back now.
  • betty34
    betty34 andy4

    Posted

    I have been on Valsartan for about a year.  Suddenly I was told that it was not available due to "manufacturing problems".  I then tried Irbesartan, but didn't like it very much.  However, about a month ago the Dr. said that Valsartan was now available, so I have commenced taking this again.  Contact your Pharmacist if you are having problems obtaining same.
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