Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) can cause a range of side effects. Here’s a concise overview of what’s common and what can be serious. If you’re taking this medication, always discuss side effects with your clinician.
Common (often mild) side effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- Changes in kidney function (e.g., higher creatinine)
Less common or less frequent side effects
- Back pain
- Rash or itching
Serious side effects that require prompt medical attention
- Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing
- Severe low blood pressure (hypotension) with fainting or dizziness
- Signs of kidney injury: reduced urine output, swelling, shortness of breath
- Very high potassium symptoms: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat
- Possible liver problems: yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, upper abdominal pain (rare)
Important safety notes
- Pregnancy: Entresto can harm a fetus. It should not be used during pregnancy; if you become pregnant, contact your clinician right away.
- Interactions: Do not take Entresto with an ACE inhibitor or within 36 hours of an ACE inhibitor due to angioedema risk; don’t use with aliskiren if you have diabetes. NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can increase risk of kidney problems and reduce the drug’s effectiveness.
- Monitoring: Your doctor may check your blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels periodically, especially after starting or changing the dose.
If you’re experiencing side effects or have specific symptoms you’re worried about, tell your healthcare provider. If you have a medical emergency (e.g., trouble breathing, severe swelling, or chest pain), seek urgent care. If you’d like, I can tailor this to your situation (age, other meds, health conditions) or pull up the official prescribing info.