Introduction
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix80 mg/12.5 mg
film-coated tablets EFG
valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
- If you experience any of the side effects, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.
Contents of the pack:
- What is Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix and what is it used for
- Before taking Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- How to take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- Possible side effects
- Storage of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- Further information
1. What is Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix and what is it used for
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix film-coated tablets contain two active substances called valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. These components help control high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Valsartanbelongs to a class of medicines known as “angiotensin II receptor antagonists” that help control high blood pressure. Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow, resulting in increased blood pressure. Valsartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax and blood pressure decreases.
- Hydrochlorothiazidebelongs to a class of medicines known as thiazide diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide increases urine production, which also decreases blood pressure.
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is used to treat high blood pressure that is not adequately controlled with the use of a single component.
Hypertension increases the workload of the heart and arteries. If left untreated, it can damage blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys, and may lead to stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks. Lowering blood pressure to normal values reduces the risk of developing these disorders.
2. Before taking Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
Do not takeValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide derivatives (chemically related substances to hydrochlorothiazide), or any of the other components of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- This medicine contains soy lecithin. It should not be used in case of peanut or soy allergy.
- if you are pregnant for more than 3months.(In any case, it is best to avoid taking this medicine also at the beginning of your pregnancy – see section Pregnancy and lactation).
- if you have severeliver disease.
- if you have severekidney disease.
- if you are unable to urinate.
- if you are undergoing dialysis.
- if you have low potassium or sodium levels in your blood, or if your blood calcium levels are higher than normal despite treatment.
- if you have gout.
- this medicine contains soy oil. It should not be used in case of soy allergy
- If you have diabetes or kidney failure and are being treated with a blood pressure-lowering medicine that contains aliskiren.
If any of these situations apply to you, do not take this medicine and consult your doctor.
Be particularly careful withValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- if you are using potassium-sparing medicines, potassium supplements, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or other medicines that increase the amount of potassium in your blood, such as heparin. Your doctor may consider it necessary to regularly check your potassium levels.
- if you have low potassium levels in your blood.
- if you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting.
- if you are taking high doses of a diuretic
- if you have severe heart disease.
- if you have narrowing of the kidney artery.
- if you have recently undergone a kidney transplant.
- if you have hyperaldosteronism, a disease in which the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone hormone. In this case, Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is not recommended
- if you have kidney or liver disease.
- if you have fever, rash, and joint pain, which can be signs of systemic lupus erythematosus (a known autoimmune disease).
- if you have diabetes, gout, high cholesterol or lipid levels in your blood.
- if you have previously had an allergic reaction with the use of another medicine of this class to lower blood pressure (angiotensin II receptor antagonists), or if you have any type of allergy or asthma.
- if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure:
- an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril), particularly if you have kidney problems related to diabetes.
- aliskiren.
- if you have had skin cancer or if you develop an unexpected skin lesion during treatment. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, especially long-term use at high doses, may increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer). Protect your skin from sun exposure and UV rays while taking Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix.
- if you experience a decrease in vision or eye pain, they could be symptoms of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or an increase in eye pressure and can occur within a few hours to a week after taking Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix.
- if you have had respiratory or pulmonary problems (such as inflammation or fluid in the lungs) after taking hydrochlorothiazide in the past. If you experience shortness of breath or severe difficulty breathing after taking Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix, seek medical attention immediately.
Your doctor may monitor your kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium) in your blood at regular intervals.
Consult your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after taking valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor will decide whether to continue treatment. Do not stop taking valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide on your own.
See also the information under the heading “Do not take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Pharma Combix”.
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age).
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (first 3 months) and should not be administered from the third month of pregnancy onwards, as it may cause serious harm to your baby (see section Pregnancy and lactation).
Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may cause increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun.
Use of other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription.
The effect of treatment with Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix may be altered if taken with certain medicines. Your doctor may need to change the dose and/or take other precautions or, in some cases, stop treatment with one of the medicines. This is especially applicable to the following medicines:
- lithium, a medicine used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.
- medicines that may affect or be affected by potassium levels, such as digoxin, a medicine to control heart rhythm, and some antipsychotic medicines.
- medicines that may increase potassium levels in the blood, such as potassium supplements, salt substitutes that contain potassium, potassium-sparing medicines, and heparin.
- medicines that may decrease potassium levels in the blood, such as corticosteroids and some laxatives.
- diuretics (medicines to increase urine production), medicines to treat gout, such as allopurinol, therapeutic vitamin D, and calcium supplements, medicines to treat diabetes (oral antidiabetics or insulin).
- other medicines to lower blood pressure, such as beta-blockers or methyldopa, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor), or aliskiren (see also the information under the headings “Do not take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Pharma Combix” and “Be particularly careful with Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix”).
- medicines that constrict blood vessels or stimulate the heart, such as noradrenaline or adrenaline.
- medicines to increase blood sugar levels, such as diazoxide.
- medicines to treat cancer, such as methotrexate or cyclophosphamide.
- medicines for pain.
- medicines for arthritis.
- muscle relaxants, such as tubocurarine.
- anticholinergic medicines, such as atropine or biperiden.
- amantadine (a medicine to prevent flu).
- cholestyramine and colestipol (medicines used to treat high lipid levels in the blood).
- cyclosporine, a medicine used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation.
- certain antibiotics (tetracyclines), anesthetics, and sedatives.
- carbamazepine, a medicine used to treat seizures.
TakingValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combixwith food and drinks
You can take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix with or without food.
Avoid drinking alcohol until you have consulted your doctor. Alcohol may further lower your blood pressure and/or increase the risk of dizziness and weakness.
Pregnancy and lactation
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicine.
- You must inform your doctorif you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix before you become pregnant or as soon as you find out you are pregnant, and will recommend that you take another blood pressure-lowering medicine instead. Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, and should not be administered from the third month of pregnancy onwards, as it may cause serious harm to your baby when administered from that time on.
- Tell your doctor if you are about to start or are breastfeeding, as Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is not recommended for women during this period. Your doctor may decide to administer a treatment that is more suitable if you wish to breastfeed, especially to newborns or premature babies.
Driving and using machines
Before driving a vehicle, using tools, or operating machinery, or performing other activities that require concentration, make sure you know how you react to the effects of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix. Like many other medicines used to treat high blood pressure, Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix may, in rare cases, cause dizziness and affect your ability to concentrate.
Important information about some of the components ofValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
This medicine contains lactose. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, consult with them before taking the medicine.
This medicine contains soy lecithin. It should not be used in case of peanut or soy allergy.
3. How to take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
Always take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix exactly as your doctor has told you. This will help you to get the best results and reduce the risk of side effects. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
People with high blood pressure often do not notice any symptoms of the disease; many feel normal. This makes it very important to attend your appointments with your doctor, even if you feel well.
Your doctor will tell you exactly how many Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix tablets to take. Depending on how you respond to treatment, your doctor may suggest increasing or decreasing the dose.
- The usual dose of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix is one tablet per day.
- Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting your doctor.
- This medicine should be taken at the same time every day, usually in the morning.
- You can take Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
If you take moreValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combixthan you should
If you notice a strong dizziness and/or fainting, lie down and contact your doctor immediately.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount taken.
If you forget to takeValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Do not take a double dose to make up for missed doses.
If you stop takingValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
If you stop treatment with Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix, your high blood pressure may worsen. Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible Adverse Effects
Like all medicines, Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them.
These adverse effects may occur with certain frequencies, which are defined below:
- Very common: affect more than 1 in 10 patients
- Common: affect between 1 and 10 in 100 patients
- Uncommon: affect between 1 and 10 in 1,000 patients
- Rare: affect between 1 and 10 in 10,000 patients
- Very rare: affect less than 1 in 10,000 patients
- Frequency not known: the frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
Some adverse effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention:
You should visit your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of angioedema, such as:
- Swelling in the face, tongue, or pharynx
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hives and difficulty breathing
Other adverse effects include:
Uncommon
- Cough
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Dehydration (with symptoms of thirst, dry mouth and tongue, reduced urination frequency, dark urine, dry skin)
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling
- Blurred vision
- Noises (e.g., ringing or buzzing) in the ears
Very rare
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
Frequency not known
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe decrease in diuresis
- Low sodium levels in the blood (sometimes with nausea, fatigue, confusion, discomfort, convulsions)
- Low potassium levels in the blood (sometimes with muscle weakness, muscle spasms, abnormal heart rhythm)
- Low white blood cell count (with symptoms such as fever, skin infections, sore throat or mouth ulcers due to infections, weakness)
- Increased bilirubin levels in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow)
- Increased urea and creatinine levels in the blood (which may indicate abnormal kidney function)
- Increased uric acid levels in the blood (which, in severe cases, can trigger a gout attack)
Adverse effects observed with valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone, but not observed with Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix:
Valsartan
Uncommon
Very rare
- Intestinal angioedema: swelling in the intestine with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Frequency not known
- Skin rash with or without itching along with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever, joint pain, muscle pain, lymph node inflammation, and/or flu-like symptoms
- Skin rash, purple-red spots, fever, itching (symptoms of blood vessel inflammation)
- Low platelet count (sometimes with bleeding or bruising more frequently than usual)
- High potassium levels in the blood (sometimes with muscle spasms, abnormal heart rhythm)
- Allergic reactions (with symptoms such as skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness)
- Swelling mainly of the face and throat; skin rash; itching
- Elevation of liver function values
- Decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cell percentage in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause anemia)
- Kidney failure
Hydrochlorothiazide
Common
- Skin rash with itching and other types of rash
- Decreased appetite
- Mild nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness, dizziness when standing up
- Impotence
Rare
- Swelling and blisters on the skin (due to increased sensitivity to the sun)
- Constipation and stomach or intestinal discomfort, liver changes (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Sadness (depression)
- Low platelet count (sometimes accompanied by bleeding or bruising under the skin)
Very rare
- Blood vessel inflammation, with symptoms such as skin rash, purple-red spots, fever
- Itching or redness of the skin
- Blisters on the lips, eyes, or mouth
- Peeling of the skin
- Fever
- Facial rash associated with joint pain
- Muscle disorders
- Fever (cutaneous lupus erythematosus)
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen; absence or low levels of different types of blood cells
- Severe allergic reactions
- Difficulty breathing
- Lung infection; shortness of breath
- Acute respiratory distress (signs include severe difficulty breathing, fever, weakness, and confusion)
Frequency not known
- Skin and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer)
- Decreased vision or eye pain due to high pressure [possible signs of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or acute angle-closure glaucoma].
Reporting of Adverse Effects
If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect that is not listed in this prospectus. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. Storage of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
- Do not use Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix after the expiration date stated on the packaging. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
- Blister packs: Do not store above 30°C.
- Do not use Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix if you notice that the packaging is damaged or shows signs of deterioration.
- Medicines should not be thrown down the drain or into the trash. Deposit the packaging and medicines you no longer need at the SIGRE point in the pharmacy. In case of doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medicines you no longer need. This way, you will help protect the environment.
6. Additional Information
Composition of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix
The active ingredients are valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Each tablet contains 80 mg of valsartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
The other ingredients are: microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), lactose monohydrate (lactose), sodium croscarmellose, povidone K29-K32, talc, magnesium stearate (E470b), anhydrous colloidal silica, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3350, soy lecithin (E322), red iron oxide (E172), yellow iron oxide (E172), black iron oxide (E172).
Appearance of the Product and Packaging Contents
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix 80 mg/12.5 mg is presented in the form of film-coated tablets, pink, oval, biconvex, with the inscription "V" on one side and "H" on the other.
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combix 80 mg/12.5 mg tablets are available in blister packs containing 28 tablets.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Laboratorios Combix, S.L.U.
C/ Badajoz 2, Edificio 2
28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid)
Spain
Manufacturer
Actavis Limited
Bulebel Industrial Estate
Zejtun
Malta
or
Balkanpharma Dupnitsa AD
3, Samakovsko Shosse Str.
2600 Dupnitsa
Bulgaria
This prospectus was approved in February 2025
Detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/.