Entresto Side Effects, Uses and Interactions

Entresto side effects versus interactions

The side effects of Entresto include the unintended reactions or symptoms that can occur while on this heart failure medication, such as dizziness or cough. Interactions, conversely, refer to how Entresto may respond when combined with other medications or substances, potentially affecting its efficacy or causing harmful effects. In this guide, we’ll explore both the side effects and interactions of Entresto, starting with an overview of its primary uses and benefits.

Entresto Uses

If you’re wondering what Entresto is used for, it’s primarily prescribed to manage chronic heart failure. Typically taken twice a day, Entresto is often used in conjunction with other medications to effectively alleviate heart failure symptoms. It serves as a substitute for ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Available in tablet form, Entresto comes in various dosages—24-26 mg, 49-51 mg, and 97-103 mg—to accommodate different treatment needs. These dose ranges account for the two active medications contained in each tablet. Understanding Entresto uses is vital for anyone dealing with chronic heart failure.

Entresto Side Effects

Being well-informed about Entresto side effects is essential for anyone taking this medication for chronic heart failure. While Entresto is effective in managing symptoms, it does come with its own set of potential side effects.

Common Entresto Side Effects

These effects are often mild to moderate in severity and may either resolve on their own or become manageable with minor treatment adjustments.

• Cough: A persistent cough can be bothersome and may interfere with daily activities, although it’s generally less severe than other side effects.
• Dizziness: This can lead to balance issues and falls, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks safely.

Severe Side Effects

Each of these conditions requires immediate medical attention and could pose significant risks to an individual’s health. They could be life-threatening, lead to permanent damage, or significantly impair one’s quality of life if not promptly and adequately addressed.

• Angioedema: Severe swelling beneath the skin, often around the eyes and lips, and sometimes the throat. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent breathing difficulties.
• Hypotension: Also known as low blood pressure, hypotension may cause fainting and dizziness, potentially leading to falls or other injuries.
• Impaired Renal Function: Reduced kidney efficiency, which may lead to fluid retention and waste buildup in the body, requiring medical intervention.
• Hyperkalemia: Elevated levels of potassium in the blood can disrupt heart function and may require urgent medical treatment to prevent cardiac issues.
• Shortness of Breath: Limits your physical activity and could be a sign of worsening heart failure, necessitating prompt medical attention.

Entresto and Pregnancy

If someone becomes pregnant while taking Entresto, they should consult their healthcare provider immediately. Entresto can harm or be fatal to an unborn baby, particularly affecting kidney development and causing other issues. If pregnancy is detected, discontinuation of Entresto is generally recommended as soon as possible. Alternative treatments that are safer for pregnant women and the fetus are usually considered.

Entresto Interactions

Understanding Entresto interactions is crucial for safely managing chronic heart failure. When combining Entresto with other medications or substances, certain precautions are necessary to avoid harmful effects.

Discontinuing ACE Inhibitors

If you are currently using an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, it’s essential to discontinue its use before starting Entresto. Allow a 36-hour gap between stopping the ACE inhibitor and initiating Entresto to prevent adverse reactions.

Hypersensitivity Precautions

If you’ve reported hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Entresto, consider alternative medications for treating your condition.

ARB Considerations

Entresto contains the ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) Valsartan. Therefore, it should not be used in conjunction with another ARB to avoid overdose or adverse effects.

Medications to Avoid

Avoid taking medications that contain lithium while on Entresto, as the interaction may be harmful.

Special Populations

• Elderly and Diuretic Therapy: For patients who are elderly or on diuretic therapy, Entresto may exacerbate renal issues.
• Compromised Renal Function: If you already have compromised renal function, using Entresto may worsen the condition.

Heart Failure

In heart failure, the heart can’t pump blood well enough to meet the body’s oxygen needs, leading to symptoms such as fatigue. Though the heart may try to adapt by enlarging and pumping faster, this only strains it further. Many people may not realize they have heart failure until years into the condition, emphasizing the importance of regular doctor visits and a healthy lifestyle.

What are the Causes of Heart Failure?

Some more common causes of heart failure are other diseases of the heart like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Most people who are diagnosed with chronic heart failure are those who are 65 years or older. There are higher rates of chronic heart failure diagnosis among African American people, those who are overweight or have had a heart attack previously. Men are diagnosed more often with heart failure than women are. There are some risk factors that cannot be changed, such as race, age, and sex. However, there are things that can be done to lower the risk of heart diseases and heart attack, which can lead to chronic heart failure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for diseases of the heart. It is important to monitor any blood pressure issues and work on preventing or controlling them. Being overweight, smoking, and stress can also place undue strain on the heart. It is critical to monitor this. Cholesterol can block arteries and raise the risk of coronary artery disease. Arteries in the heart work to pump blood and provide it to the rest of the body. If there is an issue with the arteries, this can cause problems with the blood flow system and lead to issues within the heart. Lifestyle changes along with diet can help to lower cholesterol levels. Being overweight can increase your chances of having heart disease as well as other disease risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables and keeping sodium and sugar low is a great way to keep blood sugar and cholesterol in check. Drinking too much alcohol can cause weight gain as well as raise your blood pressure. It is important to limit alcohol consumption to keep your risk for heart disease low. Research has also shown that not getting adequate amounts of sleep also raises the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and other factors that can increase diseases of the heart. Most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. A bedtime routine of meditation or reading can help de-stress from the day and aid in restful sleep. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart diseases, which can lead to heart failure. Practicing these healthy habits, as well as getting enough rest, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, are ways to be in better control of having and maintaining a healthy heart. If you are diagnosed with heart failure, you can still implement these habits to try and minimize any more damage to the heart. A healthier lifestyle coupled with medication can allow for many to still be active and live enjoyable lives.

How can Entresto help reduce heart failure symptoms?

Entresto is a medication used to help patients with heart failure. It was approved in July 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is indicated for use in patients over the age of 1. This medication contains two ingredients that work together to alleviate the symptoms of heart failure. The first ingredient is valsartan. Valsartan helps to relax the blood vessels and lessen the load on the heart when someone has heart failure. It also works to reduce the tightening of blood vessels. The second ingredient is sacubitril. This ingredient works to relax the blood vessels and release extra sodium in the urine. Entresto is the only medication that contains sacubitril.

Paying for Entresto

Medications are a very important tool when living with chronic heart failure. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, along with medications such as Entresto can help those with chronic heart failure lead full and enjoyable lives. Sometimes these medications and the out-of-pocket costs associated with them can be very expensive. At The Rx Advocates, we work to help you get name-brand medications such as Entresto, at no cost. We will work with your doctors to help fill out your application. We then file it with the drug company and then follow up with them to ensure your application is being handled. Once the application is approved, we will manage your refills to ensure you do not miss any refills. You do not owe the pharmaceutical company any money and your only cost is our service fee which varies depending on how many medications you qualify to receive. The Rx Advocates has an extensive list of medications that we can help patients receive at no cost. We update this list frequently as new medications are approved and added. We are not a prescription discount plan or an insurance plan. We contact patient assistance programs on behalf of our customers in order to find them the best discount possible. There are no hidden fees when you work with The Rx Advocates. We know how important life-saving medications are to have a good quality of life. Our services ensure you have peace of mind when it comes to managing refills and paying for your medications. Contact us today for more information.