Valsartan Saves Lives After Heart Attacks
On the basis of positive results from the Valsartan in Acute Myocardial Infarction Trial (VALIANT), Novartis Pharmaceuticals plans to file for a new indication for valsartan (Generic Diovan®). This is the only cardiovascular agent ever shown in a rigorous head-to-head trial to have all of the proven benefits of captopril (Capoten drug, Apothecon), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, after a heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI).
Valsartan, known for its efficacy in treating hypertension, was beneficial as a first-line, post-MI treatment in high-risk patients in terms of cardiovascular protection, tolerability, antihypertensive efficacy, and ease of adherence to therapy. It is estimated that valsartan might be able to save 30,000 lives in the U.S. each year.
VALIANT is the largest long-term study ever conducted in survivors of MIs. It was conducted at 931 centers in 24 countries. Patients were aged 18 and over (excluding those of child-bearing age) and were enrolled between 12 hours and 10 days after an MI that was complicated by temporary heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Patients also received recommended “background” therapy, including aspirin, cholesterol-lowering agents (statins), and beta blockers.
Valsartan preserved 99.6% of the benefit of captopril drug by reducing mortality rates to the same degree as the proven treatment. This finding translates into a 25% reduction in premature death by generic valsartan in patients at high risk after an MI.
Pregnant women should not take valsartan, and patients with heart failure should not take it concomitantly with ACE inhibitors or beta blockers.
Because of the risk of hypotension, caution should be observed for post-MI patients and patients with heart failure. Patient evaluations should always include a renal assessment.
The most common side effects in patients with heart failure were dizziness, hypotension, and diarrhea.
