What generic versions of valsartan are available?
Valsartan has multiple generic versions. Generic valsartan is sold by different manufacturers and typically comes in tablets and sometimes as combination products with other blood-pressure medicines (depending on the market and local prescribing practices).
Because generic availability can vary by country, the exact list of products and strengths (for example, 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg) depends on where you are and which dosage form you need.
How to identify the right “generic valsartan” at the pharmacy
When you ask for “generic valsartan,” ask for:
- The generic name: valsartan
- The dose/strength (mg)
- The dosage form (usually oral tablets)
- Whether it’s plain valsartan or a combination product (such as valsartan + another drug)
Different manufacturers’ products should be equivalent in active ingredient and dose, but non-active ingredients can differ. If you notice a change in how you feel after switching brands, tell your clinician.
Is generic valsartan the same as brand Diovan?
Generic valsartan and brand Diovan are designed to be therapeutically equivalent (same drug substance and dose), but the tablet formulation and inactive ingredients can differ. Most patients can switch between brand and generic safely under a clinician’s guidance.
What about patents and exclusivity (why generics exist)?
Valsartan’s path to generic competition is tied to patent and exclusivity timelines that changed over time as rights for specific products expired or were litigated. For current patent/exclusivity tracking and related details, DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful resource: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
When does switching valsartan generics matter most?
Switching may matter more if you:
- Have controlled blood pressure and want to minimize even small differences
- Are using a specific formulation (for example, a particular strength or combination)
- Have had side effects after a prior switch
In those cases, ask your pharmacist to dispense the same manufacturer again, or confirm the active ingredient and strength match exactly.
Which valsartan products are typically “generic”?
In general, “generic valsartan” refers to plain valsartan tablets. Some products are generic but also combo drugs; for example, valsartan combined with:
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
- Other antihypertensives (varies by country)
If you’re looking for a combination specifically, the full combination name matters, not just “valsartan.”
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch.com – Valsartan patent and exclusivity tracking