Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is a prescription medication used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF). It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2015 and is classified as a combination therapy that combines two drugs to improve the outcomes of heart failure.
Entresto is composed of sacubitril and valsartan, which have different mechanisms of action. Sacubitril is a prodrug that is converted to an active metabolite that inhibits the enzyme neprilysin, while valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks the action of a hormone (angiotensin II), which causes blood vessels to narrow and raises blood pressure.
Entresto is available as a tablet that is taken orally. The dosage may differ depending on the severity of the heart failure being treated.
Many clinical studies have revealed that Entresto is highly effective in treating heart failure. It improves cardiovascular outcomes, reduces hospitalization for heart failure, and prolongs survival in patients with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. It also improves exercise tolerance, quality of life, and symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
The effectiveness of Entresto is attributable to its unique mechanism of action, which combines ARB and neprilysin inhibitor. It lowers blood pressure by blocking the hormone angiotensin II and boosts levels of peptides that vasodilate blood vessels and promote sodium excretion. Its mechanism prevents heart muscle cell death and remodeling, and thereby reduces the progression of heart failure.
Patients taking Entresto report minimal side effects, and they are typically mild and transient. Some of the side effects include low blood pressure, elevated levels of potassium in the blood, dizziness, cough, and gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea and nausea. Patients taking Entresto must be monitored regularly for their blood pressure and kidney function.
Not all patients are eligible to take Entresto. Patients with symptomatic hypotension, severe renal impairment, or who are taking concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors must not take Entresto. Pregnant women and those planning to conceive must consult with their treating physician before taking Entresto, as the medication might pose some risks to the fetus.
In conclusion, Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is a powerful combination therapy that provides an effective treatment option for congestive heart failure. Its unique mechanism of action works by inhibiting neprilysin and blocking angiotensin II, reducing the progression of heart failure and cardiovascular events such as hospitalization and death. With minimal side effects, Entresto has become a popular choice for patients looking to manage their heart failure symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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