Sacubitril/Valsartan

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNi)	Entresto	Adult

Sacubitril/Valsartan - What is it for

This medication is used in the treatment of heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is weak and is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) allows your blood vessels to relax and widen to make it easier for the heart to pump blood around your body.
Entresto also reduces the risk of death and hospital admission for heart failure. It is usually used with other medications to treat heart failure, replacing medications that belong to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) drug classes.

Sacubitril/Valsartan - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Sacubitril/Valsartan cause?

Side effects of Entresto may include:

Dizziness and lightheadedness

This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.

Increased potassium levels in your blood

Your doctor may monitor your potassium levels and kidney function when you are on this medication.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Sacubitril/Valsartan, what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Once you find out you are pregnant, stop the medication as soon as possible. Taking this medication can cause injury and death to your developing foetus.
You have taken a type of medication belonging to the drug class of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors e.g. Enalapril, Lisinopril etc) in the last 36 hours.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Sacubitril/Valsartan?

Sacubitril/Valsartan - Dosage and How to Use

How should Sacubitril/Valsartan be used?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.