What conditions is Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) approved to treat?
Entresto is used to treat certain types of heart failure. Its main approved uses are:
- Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.
- Chronic heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF), to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure.
How does Entresto work in heart failure?
Entresto combines two medicines:
- Sacubitril: helps increase natriuretic peptides, which support salt and water balance and can help reduce strain on the heart.
- Valsartan: an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which helps relax blood vessels and lower the workload on the heart.
Who might be prescribed Entresto instead of an ACE inhibitor?
Because it contains an ARB (valsartan), Entresto is sometimes considered when patients are treated with heart-failure regimens that include vasodilators/RAAS-blocking medicines. If a patient previously used an ACE inhibitor, clinicians usually follow specific washout timing rules when switching to avoid risks related to excess bradykinin buildup.
What should patients know about when Entresto is started?
Entresto is typically started as part of guideline-based heart failure therapy and continued long-term if tolerated. Clinicians also monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium because these can change with sacubitril/valsartan.
What are common reasons doctors stop or adjust Entresto?
Entresto dosing may be adjusted or stopped if a patient develops:
- Low blood pressure (symptomatic hypotension)
- Worsening kidney function
- High potassium (hyperkalemia)
If you tell me the exact heart failure type your question is about (HFrEF vs HFmrEF/HFpEF), I can tailor the answer to the specific use case.