What are the common side effects of Entresto?
Entresto, a medication used to treat heart failure, can cause several side effects. According to the manufacturer, Novartis [1], the most common side effects of Entresto include:
- [1]: Headache (12%), dizziness (9%), fatigue (8%), cough (7%), musculoskeletal pain (6%), and dyspnea (shortness of breath) (5%)
What are the rare but serious side effects of Entresto?
Like other medications, Entresto can cause rare but serious side effects. Some of these include:
- Angioedema, a condition that causes the face, lips, tongue, or throat to swell (up to 0.1%) [1]
- Worsening of heart failure (up to 1%) [1]
How do the side effects of Entresto compare to those of other heart failure medications?
Entresto is a combination of sacubitril and valsartan. Compared to valsartan alone, Entresto has a different side effect profile. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [2], Entresto had a higher incidence of cough (up to 7.5%) compared to valsartan (up to 1.6%).
Can I take Entresto if I have a history of kidney problems?
Entresto is not recommended for patients with severe kidney impairment or those undergoing dialysis [1]. However, patients with mild to moderate kidney problems may still be able to take Entresto under close monitoring by their healthcare provider.
What are the warnings and precautions when taking Entresto?
Before taking Entresto, it's essential to inform your doctor about your medical history, particularly if you have a history of:
- Liver disease or liver transplant
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- High blood pressure that's difficult to control
- Kidney disease or kidney transplant
- Swelling or fluid accumulation in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
- Heart failure that's severe or unstable
Who makes Entresto, and when does the patent expire?
Entresto is manufactured by Novartis [1]. According to DrugPatentWatch.com [3], the patent for Entresto is set to expire in 2027.
Sources:
[1] Novartis. (2022). Entresto Prescribing Information.
[2] McMurray, J. J. V., et al. (2014). Angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin inhibitors in heart failure. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(11), 923-931.
[3] DrugPatentWatch. (2023). Entresto Patent Expiration Data.