Uses
What is Entresto used for?
Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is commonly used along with other medications to treat people with heart failure, a condition in which the heart is not pumping as well as it should, to lower the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure.
Learn more about Preventing Heart Failure Complications With Entresto.
Entresto may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Entresto work (mechanism of action)?
Entresto is a combination of two medicines, sacubitril and valsartan, which work together to help strengthen your heart’s ability to pump blood and prevent fluid buildup.
How is Entresto supplied (dosage forms)?
Entresto is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 6 mg/6 mg oral pellets within capsules
- 15 mg/16 mg oral pellets within capsules
- 24 mg/26 mg oral tablets
- 49 mg/51 mg oral tablets
- 97 mg/103 mg oral tablets
How should I store Entresto?
Entresto should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Entresto?
The most common side effects of Entresto are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Decreased blood pressure (see below)
- High potassium level (see below)
- Cough
- Dizziness
There may be other side effects of Entresto that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Entresto?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Entresto are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Angioedema. Entresto may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If you are having trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Entresto may cause low blood pressure, especially in people with low levels of fluids or salt. This can happen especially in people taking a medicine that causes you to pee more often (diuretic). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Entresto. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Entresto can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Unusual or slow heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
Severe Allergic Reactions. Entresto may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Entresto and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Entresto?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Entresto.
- Entresto
- Sacubitril
- Valsartan
- Any other medicine known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
- Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Entresto.
Drug Interactions. Entresto should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Entresto, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about Entresto before using it?
Do not take Entresto unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Entresto with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Entresto out of the reach of children.
Your pharmacist can make a liquid form of this medicine. If you take this form, do not store it above 77 F (25 C), for up to 15 days. Before each use, shake the liquid medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.
If you are prescribed Entresto oral pellets within capsules, open the capsule, sprinkle the pellets on a small amount of soft food, and swallow it right away. Do not swallow the capsules, and do not chew or crush the oral pellets.
Entresto can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Entresto affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Entresto?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Entresto is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Hereditary angioedema
- Imbalanced electrolytes
- Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Pregnancy. Entresto can cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Entresto passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Entresto.
How can I get more information about Entresto?
For more information about Entresto, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.entresto.com or call them at 888-669-6682.
Interactions
Does Entresto interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Entresto and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Entresto. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Entresto.
Does Entresto interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Entresto.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for heart disease
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Entresto. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Entresto?
If you or someone else has used too much Entresto, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Entresto?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)?
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