What is a key box warning associated with Valsartan?

Valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure, has a key boxed warning regarding its use during pregnancy. This warning is significant because the use of Valsartan in pregnant women can lead to serious fetal adverse effects, particularly during the second and third trimesters. When administered during this period, it can cause significant harm to the developing fetus, including potential birth defects and other complications.

The boxed warning emphasizes that if a patient becomes pregnant while taking Valsartan or is planning to become pregnant, the medication should be discontinued as soon as possible. This is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of both the mother and the fetus.

Other choices, while related to health, do not have the same level of urgency or clinical significance indicated by a boxed warning for Valsartan. For instance, while heart failure is a condition that Valsartan treats, it does not represent a risk associated with the medication itself. Liver damage and kidney stones are also not specifically tied to the use of Valsartan as a key warning, making the pregnancy-related warning the most critical for patient safety.