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Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®)

Supportive Care

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What is sacubitril/valsartan?

Sacubitril/valsartan (also called Entresto®) is used to treat heart failure (weak heart). It can lower the number of hospital visits and risk of death from heart failure. It is available as a 24/26mg, 49/51mg and 97/103mg tablet taken by mouth. It can be made into a liquid taken by mouth.

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Possible side effects

  • Cough

    Call the doctor right away if you have any of the following side effects:
  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives; swelling in your face or hands; swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat; chest tightness; trouble breathing
  • Signs of kidney problems: Unable to pass urine, change in amount of urine passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain
  • Signs of high potassium: Heartbeat that does not feel normal, change in thinking clearly, numbness or tingling, short of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded, feeling dizzy, fainting
  • Feeling very tired or weak

    These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take sacubitril/valsartan will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Tell your doctor about any of the following:
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have kidney disease
  • You have liver disease
  • You have ever had a very bad or life-threatening reaction called angioedema. Signs may include swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or unusual hoarseness.
  • You are taking or have recently taken any of these drugs: benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril or trandolapril.
  • You are taking any of these drugs: azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan or telmisartan
  • You are taking a drug that has aliskiren in it, and you also have diabetes or kidney problems

Drug at Home:

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Take your medicine at the same time each day.
  • Tablet: Take the tablet with or without food.
    • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and direct light.
  • Liquid: Take the liquid with or without food. Shake the bottle well before taking a dose.
    • Store the liquid at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Throw away after expiration date on the label.
  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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