Entresto (Sacubitril And Valsartan)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Entresto Used For?
Entresto is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat a certain type of heart failure in adults. It has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart-related deaths and hospitalizations due to heart failure.
Primary Uses
Entresto is used to treat heart failure in adults. Clinical studies have shown it can lower the risk of cardiovascular-related deaths and heart failure-related hospitalizations.
How It Works
Entresto contains two active ingredients: sacubitril (a neprilysin inhibitor) and valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker). It works by blocking changes caused by the enzyme neprilysin and angiotensin-II. This helps blood vessels relax and reduces water retention in the body, which is beneficial for treating heart failure.
How to Take Entresto
Entresto should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken twice daily.
Dosage Instructions
Take one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening. Your doctor will determine the appropriate strength for you. The usual starting dose is one 49 mg/51 mg tablet twice daily, though some patients may start at a lower dose. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on how you respond to treatment after 2 to 4 weeks. Swallow tablets whole, either with or without food. Continue taking Entresto until your doctor tells you to stop.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Take Entresto regularly at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness or feeling faint
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headache
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Back pain and joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, chills)
- Runny or blocked nose
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Urinating more frequently
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Chest pain or feeling of tightness in chest
- Fast heart beat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of feet, ankles, or hands
- Wheezing, trouble breathing, persistent cough
- Severe allergic reactions with rash and itching
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Entresto. Some people should not take this medication at all.
Who Should Not Take Entresto
Do not take Entresto if you: are allergic to sacubitril, valsartan, or any ingredients in the medication; are taking or have taken an ACE inhibitor within the last 36 hours; have had swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat while taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs; are taking aliskiren and have Type 2 diabetes; have severe liver disease; are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: low blood pressure; kidney or liver problems; are taking medicines that lower blood pressure or increase potassium levels; have ever experienced swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat with breathing difficulties; are taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium; have any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Entresto if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor immediately. Use contraception while taking Entresto and for 1 week after stopping. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Pregnancy Warning: Entresto can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Use effective contraception and contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Entresto and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs (must not be taken together)
- Statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines like atorvastatin)
- Sildenafil (for erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure)
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (like amiloride)
- NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors (like ibuprofen)
- Lithium (for depression)
- Furosemide (water pill)
- Metformin (for diabetes)
- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- Ciclosporin (immune system medicine)
- Ritonavir (HIV/AIDS medicine)
- Potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium
Alcohol & Driving
Entresto may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and can interact with alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
There are no known direct interactions between Entresto and alcohol. However, be careful when drinking alcohol until you know how this medicine affects you, as both alcohol and Entresto can cause dizziness.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Entresto affects you. This medication may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people, which could impair your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Store Entresto in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the medication where young children cannot reach it. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Entresto, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take Entresto either with food or without food. The medication works the same way regardless of whether you eat before taking it.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, do not stop taking Entresto suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions about stopping this medication, as sudden discontinuation could worsen your heart condition.
There are no known direct interactions between Entresto and alcohol. However, be careful when drinking alcohol until you know how the medicine affects you, as both can cause dizziness.
Your doctor will monitor your response to Entresto and may adjust your dose after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. The full benefits for heart failure may take several weeks to months to become apparent.
Entresto can be prescribed to elderly patients, but your doctor will carefully monitor your kidney function, blood pressure, and other factors. Regular check-ups are important to ensure the medication is working safely.
Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Entresto. This medication can cause serious harm to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. You should use effective contraception while taking Entresto.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.