Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Entresto is a combination therapy that contains sacubitril and valsartan. Sacubitril functions as a blood pressure medication by elevating the levels of specific proteins in the body, leading to the dilation of blood vessels and ultimately reducing sodium levels. Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, operates by preventing blood vessels from constricting, thereby lowering blood pressure and enhancing blood flow.
This medication is indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic heart failure and has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and improve outcomes in these patients. Entresto is also approved for use in children as young as one year old with heart failure.
As a part of comprehensive heart disease management, Entresto is typically administered in conjunction with other heart medications.
Uses and Dosage
Before beginning treatment with this medication, thoroughly read the Patient Information Leaflet, which can be obtained from a pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns, it is advised to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
The recommended administration of this medication is orally, with or without food, as directed by a physician, typically twice daily. The dosage is tailored to each individual’s medical condition and response to treatment, including consideration of the patient’s weight in children.
When using the suspension form of the medication, shake the bottle well before each dose and measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring device or spoon. Do not use household utensils as they may result in incorrect dosing.
To minimize the risk of adverse effects, your physician may instruct a gradual increase in dosage, starting from a low dose.
This medication should not be taken in conjunction with ACE inhibitors, such as captopril or enalapril, as the risk of serious side effects may increase. Avoid using this medication for at least 36 hours before or after taking an ACE inhibitor and to consult a physician or pharmacist for further information.
To achieve optimal benefits from this medication, take it consistently at the same times each day. If there is no improvement or worsening of symptoms, inform your physician.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine:
- cough
- dizziness
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- abdominal or stomach pain
- blurred vision
- confusion
- difficult breathing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- irregular heartbeat
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- weakness or heaviness of the legs
Caution
Prior to using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you have, including allergies to sacubitril, valsartan, other ARBs (such as candesartan and losartan), or ACE inhibitors (such as quinapril and ramipril).
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of dehydration, elevated potassium levels in the blood, or a history of serious allergic reactions that involved swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing, such as angioedema or hereditary angioedema.
Note that this product may cause dizziness and that this side effect may be intensified when combined with alcohol or marijuana. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in other activities that require alertness until you can safely do so.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Using sacubitril/valsartan during pregnancy is not recommended and can be harmful to the unborn baby.
Form and Strength
Entresto is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Entresto tablet:
- 24mg/26mg
- 49mg/51mg
- 97mg/103mg
-
sacubitril and valsartan tablet:
- 250mg/125mg
- 500mg/125mg
- 875mg/125mg
FAQ
What foods should you avoid when taking Entresto?
Avoid moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium, especially salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
At what stage of heart failure is Entresto prescribed?
In 2021, the FDA expanded its approval of Entresto to include people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This is when people have an ejection fraction (percentage of blood in the heart pumped to the body with each heartbeat) above 40 percent, but still have signs and symptoms of heart failure.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/entresto/uses-side-effects-precautions
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sacubitril-and-valsartan-oral-route/precautions/drg-20150920
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507904/
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-169241/entresto-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sacubitril-and-valsartan-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20150920?p=1
- https://www.drugs.com/entresto.html#warnings
