What is Entresto used for?

Entresto is prescribed to treat certain types of chronic heart failure. This is a condition in which your heart is weak and can't pump enough blood to the rest of your body. This medicine helps lower the risk of needing to be hospitalized when symptoms get worse, and helps lower the risk of death from heart failure.

Entresto is also approved to be used in children ages 1 year and older who have a certain type of heart failure with symptoms. It's called systemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which means that parts of the left side of the heart aren't working as and is pumping out less blood than usual.

How does Entresto work?

Entresto is an oral medication that contains a combination of two ingredients: sacubitril and valsartan. Sacubitril is a blood pressure medicine. It works by increasing the levels of certain proteins in the body that can dilate (widen) blood vessels. This helps lower blood pressure by reducing sodium levels. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Before taking Entresto, read all the instructions and paper work that given to you by your pharmacist. Take your Entresto dosage orally once a day. Make sure you take it at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of the Sacubitril/Valsartan dosage in your system. This medication should be taken on a regular basis to have optimal results. The Entresto dosage that you take will depend on your condition and your age. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.

Your doctor may start you off at a low dose of Entresto and gradually have you increase your dose to help prevent side effects and to ensure a safe and effective treatment with this drug.

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open it.

Entresto may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Be sure to discuss other medical conditions, known allergies, and list any over-the-counter or prescription medications, and herbal products you are currently taking.

Common Entresto side effects include:

Cough, dizziness, low blood pressure, high potassium in blood, or lightheadedness

If any side effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.

Q: What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

A: A relapse in symptoms may occur depending on the severity of the condition, and you may experience side effects. You should speak to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.

Q: What is the best dosage to take?

A: The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best Entresto dosage for your treatment.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose

Q: What is the best way to store this medication?

A: This medication should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in wastewater. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.

Q: Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Speak with your doctor about the risk associated with using this drug while pregnant. It is uncertain if this drug can pass into the breast milk of nursing mother. Consult your doctor to understand the risk in using this medication while breastfeeding.