What is Entresto?
Entresto is a medication used for chronic heart failure and is composed of sacubitril and valsartan. Sacubitril functions to widen blood vessels by increasing certain proteins in the body, reducing sodium levels and thereby, lowering blood pressure. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that keeps blood vessels from narrowing, further lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Entresto can be used to treat heart failure in both adults and children who are at least one year old. It is generally administered together with other heart medications.
There are several precautions that must be taken before using Entresto. Pregnant women should not use this medication and must immediately inform their doctor if they become pregnant. Using Entresto during the second or third trimester of pregnancy can result in harm to the unborn baby. Additionally, those with diabetes should not use Entresto together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Tekturna, Tekamlo) as it can lead to adverse effects. People allergic to sacubitril or valsartan should also avoid this medication. Moreover, individuals who have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction to a blood pressure medication such as an ACE inhibitor or an ARB should not use Entresto. Those with liver disease, diabetes, hereditary angioedema, on a low-salt diet, or those who are dehydrated must inform their doctor before taking this medication.
It is imperative to follow the prescription label and take Entresto as directed by the doctor. One must not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. The doses of sacubitril and valsartan are based on weight in children, and the dose may change if the child gains or loses weight. If the person taking this medicine has trouble swallowing the tablet, a pharmacist can make an oral suspension (liquid). The oral suspension must be shaken before use, and the dosing syringe provided or a medicine dose-measuring device must be used to measure a dose. Blood pressure and kidney function must be checked often.
Entresto must be stored in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The oral suspension must be discarded if not used within 15 days after mixing and should not be kept in a refrigerator. All patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets must be read thoroughly, and the doctor or pharmacist must be consulted if there are any questions.
The usual adult dose for congestive heart failure is sacubitril 49 mg-valsartan 51 mg orally twice a day. The maintenance dose is sacubitril 97 mg-valsartan 103 mg orally twice a day. The dosage can be increased to the target maintenance dose (sacubitril 97 mg-valsartan 103 mg twice daily) after two to four weeks, as tolerated. For patients not currently taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), a starting dose of sacubitril 24 mg-valsartan 26 mg twice a day is recommended. The dose can be doubled every two to four weeks to reach the target maintenance dose (sacubitril 97 mg-valsartan 103 mg twice daily), as tolerated.
In conclusion, Entresto is a medication used for chronic heart failure and must be taken with care and under the supervision of a doctor. The dosage must be followed strictly, and all precautions and warnings must be considered before use.
