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Common Entresto Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Entresto, also known as sacubitril/valsartan, is a medication used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. While it can be an effective treatment option for many people, it can also cause a range of side effects. In this article, we'll explore the common Entresto side effects, their severity, and what you can do to manage them.
What is Entresto?
Entresto is a combination medication that works by blocking the effects of a hormone called angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By blocking this hormone, Entresto helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Common Entresto Side Effects
While Entresto can be an effective treatment option for many people, it can cause a range of side effects, including:
Headaches and Dizziness
* Frequency: 10-20% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
Headaches and dizziness are two of the most common side effects of Entresto. These symptoms are usually mild and short-term, but they can be uncomfortable and disrupt daily life.
Cough
* Frequency: 5-10% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
A cough is another common side effect of Entresto. This is often caused by the medication's effect on the lungs and airways.
Fatigue
* Frequency: 5-10% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
Fatigue is a common side effect of many medications, including Entresto. This can be caused by the medication's effect on the heart and blood vessels.
Nausea and Vomiting
* Frequency: 5-10% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Entresto, especially when first starting the medication.
Diarrhea
* Frequency: 5-10% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
Diarrhea is another common side effect of Entresto, often caused by the medication's effect on the digestive system.
Muscle Pain
* Frequency: 5-10% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
Muscle pain is a common side effect of Entresto, often caused by the medication's effect on the muscles and joints.
Swollen Legs and Feet
* Frequency: 5-10% of patients
* Severity: Mild to moderate
* Duration: Short-term, usually resolving on their own
Swollen legs and feet are common side effects of Entresto, often caused by the medication's effect on the blood vessels and fluid balance.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
While the side effects listed above are common, there are also less common but serious side effects of Entresto, including:
Kidney Damage
* Frequency: Rare (less than 1% of patients)
* Severity: Severe
* Duration: Long-term, potentially permanent
Kidney damage is a rare but serious side effect of Entresto. This can be caused by the medication's effect on the kidneys and blood vessels.
Allergic Reactions
* Frequency: Rare (less than 1% of patients)
* Severity: Severe
* Duration: Long-term, potentially permanent
Allergic reactions are rare but serious side effects of Entresto. This can be caused by an allergic response to the medication.
Managing Entresto Side Effects
While Entresto can cause a range of side effects, there are steps you can take to manage them. These include:
Taking the Medication as Directed
* Frequency: Always take the medication as directed by your doctor
* Severity: Reduces the risk of side effects
* Duration: Long-term, potentially permanent
Taking the medication as directed can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Staying Hydrated
* Frequency: Drink plenty of water and other fluids
* Severity: Reduces the risk of side effects
* Duration: Long-term, potentially permanent
Staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of side effects, such as headaches and dizziness.
Eating a Balanced Diet
* Frequency: Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
* Severity: Reduces the risk of side effects
* Duration: Long-term, potentially permanent
Eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of side effects, such as muscle pain and diarrhea.
Conclusion
Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. While it can be an effective treatment option for many people, it can also cause a range of side effects. By understanding the common Entresto side effects and taking steps to manage them, you can reduce the risk of side effects and improve your overall health.
Key Takeaways
* Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.
* Common side effects of Entresto include headaches, dizziness, cough, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain.
* Less common but serious side effects of Entresto include kidney damage and allergic reactions.
* Taking the medication as directed, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What are the common side effects of Entresto?
A: The common side effects of Entresto include headaches, dizziness, cough, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain.
2. Q: Can Entresto cause kidney damage?
A: Yes, Entresto can cause kidney damage, although this is rare.
3. Q: How can I manage Entresto side effects?
A: You can manage Entresto side effects by taking the medication as directed, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet.
4. Q: Can I take Entresto if I have kidney disease?
A: You should talk to your doctor before taking Entresto if you have kidney disease.
5. Q: Can I take Entresto if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: You should talk to your doctor before taking Entresto if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com: Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) [online]. Available at: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/entresto-sacubitril-valsartan> [Accessed 6 Jan. 2024]
2. National Institutes of Health: Sacubitril and valsartan [online]. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28356753> [Accessed 6 Jan. 2024]
3. MedlinePlus: Entresto [online]. Available at: <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614025.html> [Accessed 6 Jan. 2024]
4. American Heart Association: Heart failure [online]. Available at: <https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure> [Accessed 6 Jan. 2024]
5. Mayo Clinic: Heart failure [online]. Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373115> [Accessed 6 Jan. 2024]