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Sacubitril is a heart failure medicine supplied together with valsartan. The fixed combination supports the heart through two connected actions and is commonly known by the brand Entresto. Browse available sacubitril valsartan medicines at KwickPharmacy. Compare the paired strength, manufacturer, pack size and prescription status before ordering.
Sacubitril is a neprilysin inhibitor used for heart failure. It is not normally sold as a stand-alone medicine. Approved products combine sacubitril and valsartan in one tablet or another suitable oral form.
Sacubitril becomes an active substance in the body that blocks neprilysin. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Combining them helps blood vessels relax, supports the removal of extra sodium and reduces strain on the heart.
The Entresto generic name is sacubitril and valsartan. Generic products may contain the same active ingredients in the same paired strengths. Product names, dosage forms and authorised uses can differ between countries.
The sacubitril valsartan drug class is called an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor or ARNI. This class combines a neprilysin inhibitor with an angiotensin receptor blocker.
Sacubitril cannot safely provide the full treatment effect on its own because blocking neprilysin may also increase angiotensin II activity. Valsartan blocks that unwanted action while adding its own blood vessel relaxing effect. This explains why the ingredients are supplied together.
The main sacubitril valsartan uses relate to long-term heart failure. Depending on the product and country, it may be prescribed for adults with chronic heart failure and for certain children aged one year and older with symptomatic heart failure.
In suitable adults, treatment can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospital admission linked to heart failure. Benefit is usually strongest when the left ventricular ejection fraction is below normal. A heart specialist considers symptoms, heart function, blood pressure, kidney function and current treatment before prescribing it.
Sacubitril and valsartan do not cure heart failure. They form part of a wider care plan that may include beta blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, diuretics, lower salt intake and regular monitoring.
The sacubitril valsartan mechanism of action has two parts. Sacubitril blocks the enzyme neprilysin after being changed to its active form. This allows helpful natriuretic peptides to remain active for longer. These peptides can widen blood vessels and help the body release sodium and water.
Valsartan blocks angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor. This reduces blood vessel tightening and lowers the release of hormones that promote salt retention. Together, the actions may lower pressure inside the heart and support more effective pumping.
Common tablet strengths show both ingredients because each tablet contains a fixed pair.
Sacubitril 24 mg valsartan 26 mg
Sacubitril 49 mg valsartan 51 mg
Sacubitril 97 mg valsartan 103 mg
The total tablet amounts are often described as 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg. These total numbers should not be confused with the amount of either ingredient. Always check both values on the product label.
A common labelled adult starting sacubitril valsartan dosage is 49 mg and 51 mg twice daily. If tolerated, the dose may be doubled after two to four weeks to 97 mg and 103 mg twice daily.
A lower starting strength of 24 mg and 26 mg twice daily may be used for people who were not taking an ACE inhibitor or ARB, were taking a low dose, or have certain kidney or liver problems. Children receive weight-based treatment under specialist care.
These are label examples and not personal instructions. Blood pressure, kidney function, potassium and symptoms guide dose changes.
Take the medicine at the same times each day.
It can generally be taken with or without food.
Swallow the supplied form as directed.
Do not double a missed dose.
Do not change or stop treatment without medical guidance.
Sacubitril and valsartan must not be taken at the same time as an ACE inhibitor. At least 36 hours is normally required between stopping an ACE inhibitor and starting the combination. The same gap is needed when changing back.
This separation lowers the risk of angioedema, which can cause dangerous swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. A person unsure whether a medicine is an ACE inhibitor should ask a pharmacist before taking the first dose.
Common sacubitril valsartan side effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, cough, raised potassium and changes in kidney function. Feeling weak or light-headed may be more noticeable when standing quickly or when another medicine removes fluid from the body.
Contact the care team about severe dizziness, fainting, reduced urination, muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat or signs of worsening kidney function. Blood tests may be needed to check potassium and kidney health.
Seek emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or for breathing or swallowing difficulty. These symptoms may indicate angioedema and should never be watched at home.
Important interaction and safety points include the following.
Do not combine it with an ACE inhibitor or another medicine containing valsartan.
Aliskiren should not be combined with it in people with diabetes.
Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium.
Anti-inflammatory pain medicines may worsen kidney function or reduce the blood pressure effect.
Lithium levels may rise and require monitoring.
Diuretics and other blood pressure medicines can increase low blood pressure.
Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea or poor fluid intake can make low blood pressure and kidney problems more likely. Contact the prescriber for advice rather than changing treatment independently.
Do not use this combination during pregnancy because medicines acting on the renin angiotensin system can seriously harm an unborn baby. Contact the prescriber immediately if pregnancy occurs.
It may also be unsuitable after a serious allergy to either ingredient, a previous episode of angioedema linked to an ACE inhibitor or ARB, severe liver disease or current ACE inhibitor use. Kidney disease, low blood pressure, high potassium and breastfeeding need professional review.
Keep tablets in their original pack at the temperature stated on the label. Protect them from moisture and excess heat. Keep the medicine away from children and do not use it after the expiry date. Follow the special instructions supplied with prepared oral suspensions or sprinkle products.
Sacubitril is one active ingredient in Entresto. The other is valsartan. Sacubitril is not normally used alone for heart failure.