Volume 10, Number 3, May-June 2003

Introduction of valsartan into the ‘Preferred Prescribing Practice’ list for Wokingham PCT
Maha Yassaie

APreferred Prescribing Practice (PPP) list includes drugs that have rigorous safety profiles, and are effective, economic and acceptable to the patient. This article explains the decision-making process for inclusion of valsartan in the PPP for Wokingham primary care trust (PCT).
Within the angiotensin receptor blockers class, valsartan is supported by significant clinical data for its use in essential hypertension. It has been demonstrated that valsartan produces effective blood pressure reduction for over 24 hours, that dose titration gives greater efficacy and that tolerance does not develop with long-term usage. Valsartan has a side-effect profile comparable to placebo and is tolerated well by patients.
This evidence has qualified valsartan to be included in Wokingham PCT’s PPP list.

Br J Cardiol 2003;10:S15-S17.

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