Potential Adverse Reactions of Entresto: Identifying Them and Coping Strategies
Entresto: A Key Heart Failure Treatment with Important Considerations
Entresto, a neprilysin blocker/angiotensin II receptor blocker, is a vital medication used primarily to treat chronic heart failure in adults and children with symptomatic heart failure. In adults, long-term use has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.
The long-term benefits of Entresto include a reduced risk of mortality and hospitalization, as demonstrated in the PARADIGM-HF trial, and improved heart function over time. By blocking angiotensin II receptors and inhibiting neprilysin, Entresto relaxes blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and increases blood and oxygen supply to the heart.
However, it's essential to be aware of potential risks and side effects associated with Entresto. While rare, there is a slightly increased risk of angioedema compared to enalapril, particularly in Black patients. Additionally, patients with predispositions like diabetes, renal insufficiency, or dehydration may experience higher risks of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium), necessitating monitoring.
In children with symptomatic heart failure, Entresto is used but less extensively studied. The drug aims to improve heart function and reduce symptoms, but long-term data on outcomes and safety in pediatric populations remain limited compared to adults.
Common side effects of Entresto may include cough, kidney problems, hyperkalemia (high level of potassium in the blood), dizziness, and low blood pressure. More severe side effects can include worsening heart failure symptoms, severe allergic reactions, and kidney problems.
Before starting treatment with Entresto, it's crucial to inform the doctor about any medical conditions, especially angioedema, kidney problems, liver problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as these may affect the safety of the drug.
It's important to note that the FDA tracks side effects of approved drugs, and if you develop a side effect while taking Entresto, you can report it to the FDA through MedWatch.
Entresto is available in the form of an oral tablet, and kidney problems may occur as a side effect, with symptoms including nausea or vomiting, urinating more or less often than usual, and swelling of the feet or legs. Mild symptoms of an allergic reaction to Entresto should be reported to the doctor, who may recommend ways to ease symptoms and determine whether continued use of the drug is safe.
In some cases, if kidney problems occur, the doctor may recommend a lower dose of Entresto, pausing or stopping treatment with the drug, or a different treatment option. Itchiness is not a common side effect of Entresto, but it may be a symptom of an allergic reaction.
Older adults (ages 65 years or older) should not expect to experience different side effects than younger people taking Entresto. Entresto is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat certain types of heart failure in adults.
If symptoms of shortness of breath occur, it may be a symptom of an allergic reaction or worsening heart failure, and immediate medical attention should be sought. Dizziness, if it occurs, should be reported to the doctor, who can help determine whether it may be caused by low blood pressure and recommend ways to decrease the dizziness.
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Entresto, and the medication does not cause weight gain as a side effect. Entresto should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may cause harm to a developing fetus or increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
In the event of a severe allergic reaction or symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, immediate action should be taken by reporting the situation to 911 or a local emergency number.
[1] McMurray JJV, Packer M, Desai MY, et al. Angiotensin-neprilysin inhibition versus enalapril in heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(15):1449-1460. [2] FDA. Entresto (sacubitril and valsartan) tablets, for oral use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2015. [3] FDA. Highlights of prescribing information: Entresto (sacubitril and valsartan) tablets. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2015. [4] Ponikowski P, Anker SD, Chen C, et al. Angiotensin-neprilysin inhibition with sacubitril and valsartan in heart failure after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(15):1461-1470.
- The science behind Entresto, a type of neprilysin blocker/angiotensin II receptor blocker, is responsible for its key role in treating chronic heart failure.
- The FDA tracks side effects of approved drugs like Entresto, so if a side effect occurs, it can be reported through MedWatch.
- Angioedema, kidney problems, liver problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes are medical conditions that need to be disclosed before starting treatment with Entresto.
- In children with symptomatic heart failure, Entresto is used but less extensively studied, with limited long-term data on outcomes and safety compared to adults.
- Ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hypertension, cardiovascular health, mental health, and health-and-wellness are medical conditions that may not be directly associated with Entresto but should still be managed alongside its use for holistic health care.
- Although rare, a slightly increased risk of angioedema, particularly in Black patients, compared to enalapril, is associated with Entresto use.
- Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) is a risk that may occur in patients with predispositions like diabetes, renal insufficiency, or dehydration while using Entresto.
- Colitis, not itchiness, may be a symptom of an allergic reaction to Entresto, and older adults should expect to experience the same side effects as younger people taking Entresto when it comes to treating certain types of heart failure.
