The FDA has approved the use of Entresto as chronic heart failure therapy. The medicine works by combining two drugs in order to reduce the symptoms that the patient experiences and improve long-term outcomes. The main goal of this combination is to reduce the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death among patients who have chronic heart failure. The angiotensin II receptor antagonists in this medication block the actions of certain chemicals in the body. The angiotensin II receptor blocker is combined with neprilysin inhibitors to further improve symptoms when used to treat heart failure. Essentially, both of these chemicals help relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow which allows the heart to work more efficiently.
Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) prescription available online*
If you live with heart failure, Entresto can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Entresto from a board-certified primary care doctor online.*
About Entresto (sacubitril valsartan)
Entresto is a combination drug that uses two medications to treat conditions like chronic heart failure. The drug belongs to two classes neprilysin inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Like any heart failure medication, this medication can only be used to manage heart failure. It is ineffective against heart attacks, strokes, and similar cardiovascular events because it will not provide an immediate effect in these scenarios.
Entresto is available only by prescription and is currently only available in brand name form.
Entresto may be prescribed as a capsule or oral suspension. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Entresto, be sure to understand that you will likely need to use the medication to treat heart failure over a long period of time. The medication can help improve your symptoms of heart failure as well as reduce the risk of complications. You should only stop using the medicine if a healthcare professional advises you because both heart failure and its need for treatment are chronic.
Entresto (sacubitril valsartan) uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Entresto, which is management of heart failure.. Your online docgtor may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor.
Chronic heart failure
What are the pros and cons?
Cons
- One
- Two
Entresto (sacubitril valsartan) side effects
The side effects associated with taking Entresto are typically mild. Most Entresto side effects are associated with the kidneys.
Entresto has some common side effects. They may include:
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A light-headed feeling
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Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure)
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Coughing
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Dizziness
It is also important to note that Entresto can affect kidneys. This can, rarely, lead to acute renal failure in serious cases. Patients should ensure they understand the potential symptoms of acute renal failure and compromised renal function and discusses all concerns with their doctor. This can ensure the individual recognizes acute renal failure and can obtain appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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High potassium: If the patient has a high potassium diet and they use Entresto, they may experience an excessive accumulation of potassium in their body. This can also happen when Entresto is combined with potassium supplements. High potassium levels can lead to a slower heart rate, muscle weakness, and a weak pulse. In some cases, this can lead to medical emergencies.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Patients treated who find out they are pregnant need to stop using Entresto immediately. Apart from acute renal failure, compromised renal function, and low potassium, the medication may also cause significant harm to the fetus.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. If you have any severe symptoms you should immediately call 911. There are some cases where Entresto is used in pediatric patients. In this case, the patient must be at least one year of age and have symptomatic chronic heart failure. The risk of compromised renal function and acute renal failure is more significant among children who use the sacubitril-valsartan combination. Parents should ensure they know the signs of severe renal impairment. If the child develops severe renal impairment while using the angiotensin ii receptor antagonist combination therapy, they require immediate medical attention.
How to take Entresto (sacubitril valsartan)
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Entresto prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Entresto can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once per day. Some particular instructions may include taking drugs with a full glass of water. You can use Entresto with or without some food.
Some people may have difficulty swallowing the sacubitril valsartan tablet. In this case, speak with your doctor. They may advise an oral suspension instead.
What to avoid while taking Entresto (sacubitril valsartan)
Entresto has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
If you use any of the following prescription medicines, talk to your doctor:
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Lithium
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Diuretics (as part of diuretic therapy)
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
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Aliskiren
Make sure you also consider the potassium supplements that you take. Make sure you also tell your doctor if you use blood pressure medications. They may advise some alterations if you need to use Entresto and have blood pressure problems. Combining blood pressure or other heart failure medications with Entresto can cause more severe renal impairment and other side effects. Do not combine Entresto with other drugs classified as angiotensin ii receptor blockers.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Entresto.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may adversely affect cardiovascular health and worsen heart failure. Alcohol may cause damage to the heart and increase blood pressure. This causes an increased risk of heart failure complications.
What to avoid
Medication alternatives to Entresto (sacubitril valsartan)
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another angiotensin II receptor blocker or a heart failure medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Narrowed blood vessels
Patients with narrowed blood vessels may experience high blood pressure and other potential complications. Blood supply to specific body parts may become restricted, impairing renal function and causing adverse reactions. This can also cause problems with the left ventricular ejection fraction. If Entresto is not the proper treatment for this case of heart failure, then the doctor may recommend a different type of drug. This may also be the case for patients at risk of congestive heart failure due to narrowed vessels.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
(Sometimes also referred to as angiotensin ii receptor blockers or ACE inhibitors)
High blood pressure
Individuals with high blood pressure may not necessarily have congestive heart failure or a related disease. However, consistent high blood pressure can cause problems like reduced ejection fraction. In these cases, medications may be used to help lower blood pressure. Some of these drugs may also reduce the patient's heart rate.
Beta-Blockers
Entresto prescription FAQs
How much does Entresto cost?
Entresto uses the sacubitril valsartan combination as a treatment procedure for heart failure. This means it may be more costly compared to drugs that only use angiotensin ii receptor antagonists (ARBs). Without insurance, even with a pharmacy coupon, Entresto may cost over $500 per month. Insurance plans may cover it to very affordable levels, but not all insurance carriers choose to pay for it over cheaper options. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about your coverage.
How can I refill my Entresto prescription?
Entresto is a chronic medication to treat a chronic condition, so it is crucial to have regularly scheduled follow-ups with your cardiologist and primary care provider. Generally, prescriptions are sent after each visit every 3 to 6 months. To get re-evaluated, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup. They will also ensure you are receiving routine care with a cardiologist.
What should you not take with Entresto?
Do not combine the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists with other heart failure therapies. This refers to cases of both chronic and congestive heart failure. Be careful about using this medication with blood pressure drugs, as interactions can occur. If you use medications to treat acute renal failure or similar events, then you should also consult with your doctor.
What should I monitor with Entresto?
You have to carefully monitor renal function periodically through blood tests (labs) with your doctor. This is due to renal impairment being a potential side-effect of this heart failure medication. Severe renal impairment can occur if you do not take notice of impaired renal function early on.
Does Entresto give you more energy?
It depends on the patients treated. Some patients do experience improvements in energy when they use the angiotensin ii receptor blocker with the additional combination drugs in this medication. The sacubitril valsartan may improve energy due to improvements in the left ventricular ejection fraction.
Who should not take Entresto?
People with severe renal impairment should not use Entresto. The renal impairment may become worse, leading to a clinically significant decrease in overall renal function. You should also not use this drug if you have had problems with a high serum potassium level in the past.
What happens if I miss a dose of Entresto?
If you forget to take this heart failure drug, then take it once you remember about your missed dose. You do need to consider how far apart this dose and your next dose is. If it is too close to the next dose of the ACE inhibitor, then it is a good idea to skip your current dose. Try to drink the sacubitril valsartan combination therapy drug at the same time every day.
What happens if I take too much Entresto?
If you overdose on Entresto, there will be an excessive amount of the sacubitril valsartan combination in your blood system. You should immediately seek medical help to prevent serious complications, such as acute renal failure, from developing.
3 simple steps to request your Entresto prescription today
Book an Entresto prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Entresto prescription.
Speak with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Pick up Entresto, if prescribed.
Entresto prescription pricing details
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Entresto prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Drugs.com. "Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) Information." Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.drugs.com/entresto.html
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EntrestoHCP.com. Official Healthcare Professional Website for Entresto. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.entrestohcp.com/
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Entresto.com. Official Patient Website for Entresto. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.entresto.com/
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