ENTRESTO (SACUBITRIL/VALSARTAN)

What is Entresto?

Entresto is a combination medication that may be prescribed along with other drugs to treat heart failure when the heart is unable to pump effectively.

Entresto medication contains two active ingredients, Sacubitril and Valsartan. The first is a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor. This drug blocks the activity of Neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down helpful peptides which are also referred to as proteins. This action increases peptide levels while decreasing sodium and fluid in your body and relaxes blood vessels.

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. This drug stops your body from producing a hormone called angiotensin II which regulates your blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and retaining sodium (salt) in your body. Usually these processes are monitored, but having heart disease impairs this from happening. The actions of these two drugs decreases the pressure of the blood flow in your arteries, increases the amount of sodium and fluid being released from your kidneys, and allows your heart to pump blood without straining.

Entresto and Chronic Heart Failure

Chronic heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure is a very serious condition that occurs when your heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should. The damage can be caused by a heart attack, or long-term health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Chronic heart failure causes extra fluid to build up in your body. Symptoms of chronic heart failure include:

• Feeling weak or tired
• Feeling out of breath
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Swelling of ankles, legs or stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain

Not all of the conditions that lead to heart failure can be reversed, but some treatments can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure and enable you to live longer. Lifestyle changes — such as exercising, reducing sodium in your diet, managing stress and losing weight — can improve your quality of life.

Normally, your heart fills with blood when it relaxes, and pushes that blood out when it constricts, sending nutrients and oxygen to other organs and tissues in your body. If your heart sustains permanent damage from a heart attack or other medical condition, the muscle is weak and cannot properly pump blood to the rest of your body. Taking care of your body as you age is important.

Your doctor may recommend a prescription for Entresto medication as part of your therapy that helps you reduce your risk of dying or being hospitalized with heart failure.

What to Know Before You Take Entresto

You should not take Entresto medication if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Entresto, you should stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Make sure that your doctor is aware of any medical conditions or allergies you have and provide a list of any Rx drugs you currently take or use, as well as over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies or vitamin supplements. This can help to determine if Entresto is the right medication for you.

Entresto Precautions

You should not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without talking to your doctor. Until you know how Entresto will affect you, avoid driving or attempting any task that may be considered unsafe if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects of Entresto

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Increased amount of potassium in the blood
• Kidney problems