Novartis' Diovan Gets Additional Six Months Marketing Exclusivity from FDA

According to the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the FDA has granted them the right to market their high blood pressure medication, Diovan® for a period of six months.

The decision was based on drug trials where children with high blood pressure were used as test subjects. It has been reported that almost five percent of adolescents and children have high blood pressure even though the condition is usually seen in adults (30%).

Diovan is an angiotensin receptor blocker. It can also be used for patients who have experienced heart attacks or even heart failure.

Around 72 million adult Americans are affected by high blood pressure conditions. Over forty percent of those individuals who are being treated for the condition do not have the condition under control.

Heart attacks and strokes are two of the world's leading causes of death.

Diovan is known to block a hormone which causes arteries to narrow or tighten which, in turn, can cause high blood pressure.

According to clinical trials, Diovan significantly aided adults with left ventricular dysfunction (after a heart attack) and those with left ventricular failure.

Some of Diovan's disclaimers include pregnant women or patients who may be allergic to other ingredients in Diovan.

There are side effects of Diovan which include hypotension and kidney problems. Should a patient have kidney disease and take Diovan, kidney problems may worsen and may need a lower dose of Diovan. Other side effects of patients with high blood pressure include headaches, flu symptoms, tiredness, abdominal pain, and dizziness.

Common side effects of Diovan of patients who have had heart failure include: low blood pressure, diarrhea, joint and back pain, tiredness, high blood potassium and dizziness.

Common side effects of Diovan used by patients who have had heart attacks include coughs, rashes, low blood pressure, and decreased kidney function.