Sacubitril+valsartan
About Sacubitril+valsartan
Sacubitril+valsartan belongs to a class of cardiovascular agents that is used in the treatment of heart failure. It helps to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in adults with chronic heart failure. Also, it can be used in children 1 to less than 18 years old to treat heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should.
Sacubitril+valsartan is a combination of two medicines: Valsartan and sacubitril. Valsartan belongs to the class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) that block the effect of angiotensin II receptors that tighten the blood vessels. By blocking the effect of angiotensin II receptors, Valsartan makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all body parts by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. Sacubitril belongs to the class of drugs known as neprilysin inhibitors which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all body parts. Together, Sacubitril+valsartan helps in the treatment of heart failure.
Take Sacubitril+valsartan with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet, swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. You are advised to take Sacubitril+valsartan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as cough, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, weakness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Sacubitril+valsartan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Try not to stop taking it on your own as it may cause a sudden increase the blood pressure, chest pain, or heart attack. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Sacubitril+valsartan. Do not take Sacubitril+valsartan with ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril) since the risk of side effects may increase. Do not take Sacubitril+valsartan for at least 36 hours before or after taking an ACE inhibitor drug. Inform your doctor before taking Sacubitril+valsartan if you have kidney or liver problems, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of hereditary angioedema (rapid oedema or swelling beneath the area of skin).
Uses of Sacubitril+valsartan
Medicinal Benefits
Sacubitril+valsartan is a combination of two medicines Valsartan and sacubitril. Valsartan belongs to the class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) that block the effect of angiotensin II receptors that tighten the blood vessels. By blocking the effect of angiotensin II receptors, Valsartan makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all body parts by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. Sacubitril belongs to the class of drugs known as neprilysin inhibitors which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all body parts. Sacubitril+valsartan helps in the treatment of certain types of heart failure. It may also help you to live longer and lowers the frequency of hospitalizations for heart failure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sacubitril+valsartan
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vertigo (sensation of feeling off-balance)
- Weakness
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should. Heart failure may occur due to certain conditions like high blood pressure, swelling or damage of heart muscle, faulty heart valves, or narrow arteries in the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, tiredness, fast heartbeat, and swollen legs.
FAQs
Sacubitril+valsartan is a combination of Valsartan and sacubitril. Valsartan belongs to the class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) that block the effect of angiotensin II receptors that tighten the blood vessels. By blocking the effect of angiotensin II receptors, Valsartan makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all body parts by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. Sacubitril belongs to the class of drugs known as neprilysin inhibitors which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to all body parts. Sacubitril+valsartan helps in the treatment of certain types of heart failure. It may also help you to live longer and lowers the frequency of hospitalizations for heart failure.
Please do not stop taking Sacubitril+valsartan without consulting your doctor on your own as it may lead to rising in blood pressure. Continue taking Sacubitril+valsartan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Sacubitril+valsartan.
Orthostatic hypotension could be a side-effect of Sacubitril+valsartan. Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking, instead lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better. People taking Sacubitril+valsartan are advised to monitor their blood pressure levels to avoid unpleasant events regularly.
High blood pressure increases the workload on the arteries and heart. If untreated, it could damage the heart, brain, and kidney's blood vessels, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks.
Talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or salt substitutes along with Sacubitril+valsartan as it might cause an increase in serum potassium and serum creatinine levels.
Sacubitril+valsartan may cause a headache as a common side effect, especially in the first few days of treatment. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor to reduce the dose initially.
Sacubitril+valsartan is not recommended for patients with severe hypotension (low blood pressure) as it may increase the risk of worsening the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure before taking Sacubitril+valsartan.
