Generic name: sacubitril and valsartan [ sak-UE-bi-tril-and-val-SAR-tan ]
Brand names: Entresto, Entresto Sprinkle
Dosage forms: oral pellet (15 mg-16 mg; 6 mg-6 mg), oral tablet (24 mg-26 mg; 49 mg-51 mg; 97 mg-103 mg)
Drug class: Angiotensin receptor blockers and neprilysin inhibitors
What is sacubitril and valsartan?
Sacubitril and valsartan is a combination medicine that is used in adults with chronic heart failure. sacubitril and valsartan lowers the risk of being hospitalized when symptoms get worse and reduces the risk of death from heart failure.
Sacubitril and valsartan is also used to treat symptomatic heart failure in children who are at least 1 year old.
Sacubitril and valsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Sacubitril and valsartan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Sacubitril and valsartan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- feeling like you might pass out;
- high blood potassium–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
- kidney problems–swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects of sacubitril and valsartan may include:
- kidney problems;
- high potassium levels in your blood;
- dizziness, feeling like you might pass out; or
- cough.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Warnings
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using sacubitril and valsartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not take sacubitril and valsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with sacubitril and valsartan.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to sacubitril or valsartan or if you have or have ever had a severe allergic reaction to similar medicines such as:
- an ACE inhibitor–benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril; or
- an ARB–azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan.
You should not take sacubitril and valsartan within 36 hours before or after you have taken any ACE inhibitor medication.
If you have diabetes, do not take sacubitril and valsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking sacubitril and valsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- diabetes;
- low blood pressure;
- low levels of aldosterone (hypoaldosteronism);
- hereditary angioedema;
- if you are dehydrated;
- if you are on a low-salt-diet;
- if you are on a high-potassium diet; or
- severe liver or kidney disease.
Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Sacubitril and valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I take sacubitril and valsartan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different strength or form of sacubitril and valsartan. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
Sacubitril and valsartan is usually taken twice per day with or without food. You may need to take more than one capsule or tablet to receive a full dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child’s dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Read and carefully follow the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand these instructions.
If you are unable to swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can make an oral suspension (liquid). Tell the doctor if the person taking this medicine has trouble swallowing the tablet.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
The oral pellets are inside the capsule. Do not swallow the capsule whole, and do not chew and crush the oral pellets inside the capsule. The capsule must be opened before taking the oral pellets. Do not swallow the empty capsule shell after opening.
To take the oral pellets, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents with 1 to 2 teaspoons of a soft food, such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. Swallow the mixture right away after adding the pellets.
Do not give the oral pellets through a feeding tube. The pellets may clog the tube.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood and kidney function may need to be tested often.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any oral suspension not used within 15 days after it was mixed. Do not keep the oral suspension in a refrigerator.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .
What should I avoid while taking sacubitril and valsartan?
Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
