A July 2007 study published in Lancet examined the possible benefits of a new Novartis hypertension combo drug, a mix of Tekturna and Diovan, and found the new drug may actually increase levels of potassium in the blood.

According to the study, which Novartis funded and edited, the percentage of patients with a high level of potassium in the blood was higher for those who received the combination than those who received the placebo or the single drugs. Four percent of patients on the combo had high levels of potassium, while 3 percent and 2 percent of patients on the placebo and single drugs, respectively, saw their potassium levels increase.

Authors of the study issued a caution with the study, saying heightened levels of potassium, or hyperkalemia, can be associated with severe complications, including paralysis, cardiac arrest, or even death.

Sources: Jacob Goldstein, “Novartis’s Hypertension Combo Works, With Risks,” Wall Street Journal Health Blog, July 20, 2007; Suzanne Oparil, et.al, Lancet, “Efficacy and safety of combined use of aliskiren and valsartan in patients with hypertension: a randomized, double-blind trial.”