Shortage of valsartan tablets

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of valsartan tablets. Novartis is the sole supplier of this drug, brand name Diovan, and did not give a reason for the shortage. People recovering from a heart attack, who have high blood pressure, and who suffer from congestive heart failure may find this drug useful for improving their chances of survival and their symptoms. It prevents the narrowing of the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow. This drug will injure and/or kill an unborn child.