Entresto (sacubitril valsartan)

About Entresto

What is sacubitril valsartan (Entresto)?

Entresto is a medicine to treat heart failure. It contains 2 active ingredients called sacubitril and valsartan.

Entresto reduces the workload of your heart and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It can help:

• slow the progression of heart failure
• reduce symptoms of heart failure
• improve blood flow to your heart muscle
• reduce your risk of having a heart attack.

Entresto is not suitable for everyone with heart failure. It's usually given to people with heart failure who have reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

If Entresto is not suitable for you, your doctor will talk to you about other options.

How does Entresto work?

Entresto combines 2 active ingredients that work in different ways to help your heart and reduce symptoms of heart failure.

• Sacubitril works by blocking an enzyme in your body, called neprilysin. This enzyme normally breaks down peptides. By blocking the enzyme, your body will have more peptides that help relax blood vessels and encourage your body to remove excess water and sodium when you pee. This helps lower your blood pressure.
• Valsartan works by blocking a hormone in your body, called angiotensin II. This hormone normally makes your blood vessels narrow. By blocking the hormone, your blood vessels relax and this helps lower your blood pressure.

By lowering your blood pressure and removing excess water and sodium, Entresto helps make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Entresto belongs to the group of medicines called angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi).

Side effects

What are the side effects of Entresto?

Side effects from this medicine may include:

• low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded
• high potassium levels
• coughing
• kidney problems.

It’s uncommon, but in some cases Entresto can cause serious skin reactions, such as a swollen face, tongue or lips.

You’ll need regular blood tests while taking Entresto to check how well your kidneys are working and the level of potassium in your blood. Your doctor will usually arrange these when you start treatment, when your dose changes and then every few months once your treatment is stable.

All medicines have potential side effects, but most people will not experience side effects. Sometimes you may have side effects when you first start taking a new medicine, but they often improve or disappear over time.

It’s important not to stop taking your medicine without speaking to a healthcare professional first.

When should I get help?

You should call 999 if your face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling and you're struggling to breathe.

Contact NHS 111 or your doctor if you’re having other side effects. They can help you manage them or look at other options with you.

How and when to take them

How do I take this medicine?

Most people will take Entresto as a tablet, twice a day.

You will usually start on a lower dose. Your doctor may increase the dose over time to get the best results.

You’ll usually be recommend to take your medicine at the same time each day.

Your doctor will give you more information about the dose of Entresto they’re giving you and how often you should take it.

What happens if I forget to take my medicine?

If you forget to take your medicine and:

• It's only a short time after your usual dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time.
• It’s nearly time for your next dose, do not take the one you missed. Wait and take your next dose at the usual time.

Things to avoid if you’re taking Entresto

Are there foods or medicines I cannot take with Entresto?

If you’re taking Entresto, you may need to avoid:

• ACE inhibitors
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
• taking NSAID medicines, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

There may be other medicines you need to avoid. It’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine or supplements while you’re taking Entresto.

You should not take Entresto if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re currently taking Entresto and you’re planning to get pregnant or you become pregnant, speak to your doctor.

Get support

• Our cardiac nurses can help answer your questions on Entresto, call, email or live chat with them on our Heart Helpline.
• Check if you can get free prescriptions or help paying for your prescriptions.
• Talk to other people and get support in our online community.