New drug for hypertension, Diovan (valsartan)

April 1997

Novartis will market a new drug for hypertension, Diovan (valsartan). First in the U.S...later in Canada.

Diovan is an angiotensin II antagonist...like Cozaar (losartan).

It lowers blood pressure as well as the ACE inhibitors, enalapril (Vasotec) or lisinopril (Zestril).

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Table of Contents

IMPROVING QUALITY
Dermatology Tazorac (tazarotene), a new topical retinoid gel
Dermatology Proscar (finasteride) stimulating hair growth
Osteoporosis Fosamax (alendronate) to be promoted to PREVENT osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Osteoporosis New drug to inhibit bone loss called Skelid (SKEL-id, tiludronate)
Cardiology Whether digoxin really is useful for patients with heart failure
Cardiology Cozaar (losartan) for heart failure
Cardiology New drug for hypertension, Diovan (valsartan)
Gastroenterology New acid blocker called Pantoloc (pantoprazole)
Infectious Diseases New quinolone antibiotic called Zagam (sparfloxacin)
Infectious Diseases New SINGLE dose antibiotic for bladder infections, Monurol (fosfomycin)
Infectious Diseases Viracept (nelfinavir) for treating HIV in both children and adults
Anticoagulants Monitor their warfarin therapy at HOME
Asthma New asthma guidelines
Asthma Too many asthmatics still AREN'T using inhaled steroids
Cholesterol Now marketing Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Cholesterol Cholestin, a new dietary supplement to lower cholesterol
Interactions Drugs that interact with grapefruit