Could leg cramps be a side effect of Diovan?

  • Q: I have nocturnal leg cramps, sometimes severe. I blame the Diovan, but my doctor says no. He can't diagnose or help with the cramps. What can I do?
  • A: Leg cramps that occur at night usually have no known cause and are generally harmless. They are more common as people age. In rare situations, night leg cramps can be associated with another disease, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Some researchers believe they can be the result of an imbalance in electrolytes, including potassium and calcium. The following activities might help to prevent night leg cramps: drink plenty of fluids; wear shoes with proper support; and stretch your leg muscles before going to bed. When a cramp occurs, you can try to massage the cramped muscle gently with your hands, walk around a little, or take a hot shower or warm bath. Diovan (valsartan) belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Diovan helps to relax the walls of blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure. According to the prescribing information, common side effects of Diovan include fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, upper respiratory infection or viral infection, cough, diarrhea, runny nose, nausea, swelling, and joint pains. Muscle cramps are listed as a side effect that occurred in patients who took Diovan during the clinical studies of the drug; however, a causal relationship between the drug and this side effect have not been established. Drugs most often associated with nocturnal leg cramps are antipsychotics, birth control pills, diuretics or water pills, statins for lowering cholesterol, and steroids. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Michelle McDermott, PharmD
This question was answered on June 06, 2011.


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