Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Entresto?

Entresto, with the generic name sacubitril and valsartan, is an oral medication indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization and death among adult patients with chronic heart failure. This is also used to treat symptomatic heart failure among pediatric and adult patients with systemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

This combination of neprilysin inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) works by increasing the natriuretic peptide level and inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II. It basically relaxes blood vessels which allows blood to flow easily and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to the entire body.

This is available in Entresto 97/103 mg, 49/51 mg, and 24/26 mg film-coated tablets.

How to use Entresto

To start, read the medication guide or information leaflet that comes with this product. Avoid taking any prescription drug without fully understanding the drug information and instructions written in the provided guide. If you need further medical advice or have questions on how to use this medication, you may ask your doctor and pharmacist.

Take this tablet orally. This is usually prescribed twice daily, with or without a meal or as directed by the doctor. Swallow the tablet whole and drink a glass of water right after. Do not split or divide the film-coated tablets.

Remember to take this medication regularly and exactly as directed. Make a dosing schedule to achieve the best result. Note that you should not take this drug with ACE inhibitors because of the increased risk of side effects. Never take this drug within 36 hours before or after taking an ACE inhibitor.

Do not alter your Entresto dose because it is determined by factors such as medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. In addition, do not stop taking this medication abruptly to avoid worsening conditions.

Entresto Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Mild cough

For the most part, the side effects brought about by this prescription medication are mild and will resolve even without intervention. If the adverse reactions persist or get worse, you should hold this drug and call your doctor or any healthcare professional. Moreover, report any severe side effects, including:

• Hypotension or low blood pressure
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)
• Dhanges in urine output
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fainting

This is not a full or complete list of Entresto’s side effects.

Precautions when using Entresto

Before starting to use this oral medication, you should disclose your entire medical history to your physician. This includes any history of dehydration, angioedema, heart attack, liver disease, kidney disease, or abnormal blood pressure. Some diseases and disorders may impact how your system will respond to this medication. It is also important to talk about all the prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products you are taking because of the possible drug interactions.

Continually be watchful for an allergic reaction while on this course of treatment. Do not take this oral medication if you have a known allergy to sacubitril, valsartan, other ARBs like losartan and candesartan, other ACE inhibitors like ramipril and quinapril, or any inactive ingredients that each tablet may contain. Skin rashes, swelling of the face and neck, hives, severe dizziness, and breathing difficulties are signs of hypersensitivity. Once you notice this, you must seek emergency medical help immediately.

This type of drug could possibly cause hyperkalemia or increased levels of potassium in the blood. Look out for muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Limit, or if possible, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol or any similar substances could trigger or aggravate certain adverse effects like dizziness. You should also practice safety precautions when driving, using machinery, or doing any activities that require alertness.

This prescription drug is not recommended for pregnant moms because of the possible harm that it could cause to unborn babies. Additionally, breastfeeding moms must use this drug only if clearly needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this drug classified?

Entresto drug class are neprilysin inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers.

Is Entresto a diuretic?

This drug has diuretic effects.

Is this prescription drug effective for heart failure?

Clinical trials on Entresto & heart failure have proven this to be safe and effective.

Does this medication cause weight gain?

There is no direct link between Entresto and weight gain.

How much does Entresto cost?

You may check the pricing of this product by clicking here.