Why Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) is prescribed?

The combination of valsartan and sacubitril is usually used in combination with other medications to lower the risk of death and hospitalization with certain types of heart failure. Valsartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently. Sacubitril is in a class of medications called neprilysin inhibitors. It works to help control blood volume.

The combination of valsartan and sacubitril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take the combination of valsartan and sacubitril, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take valsartan and sacubitril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of valsartan and sacubitril and gradually increase your dose.

The combination of valsartan and sacubitril controls heart failure but does not cure it. Continue to take valsartan and sacubitril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking valsartan and sacubitril without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before taking valsartan and sacubitril,

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic (swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing) to valsartan, other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) such as azilsartan (Edarbi, in Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, in Benicar HCT, in Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT, in Twynsta); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon, in Prestalia), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); sacubitril; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in valsartan and sacubitril tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes (high blood sugar) and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take valsartan and sacubitril; if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon, in Prestalia), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka), or if you have stopped taking an ACE inhibitor within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take valsartan and sacubitril if you are also taking an ACE-inhibitor.

Valsartan and sacubitril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

- Cough

- Extreme tiredness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

- Rash

- Itching

- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat

- Difficulty breathing

The combination of valsartan and sacubitril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I store this drug?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.