What specific birth defects can be caused by Valsartan (Diovan)?
“There have been cases of reported oligohydramnios, fetal growth retardation, pulmonary hypoplasia, limb contractures, and calvarial hypoplasia in various combinations in association with maternal losartan, candesartan, valsartan, or telmisartan (all ARBs) treatment during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Stillbirth or neonatal death is frequent in these reports, and surviving infants may exhibit renal damage. These effects are probably related to extreme sensitivity of the fetus to the hypotensive action of these drugs.” There are other anti-hypertensive agents that are commonly used during pregnancy. Hydralazine is a common one. I hope this helps. Good luck.
