Summary: Entresto, a blend of sacubitril and valsartan, is essential for treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Approved in 2015, it improves heart function, reduces hospitalizations, and enhances quality of life by easing the heart’s workload and lowering blood pressure. How Entresto works is by relaxing blood vessels and promoting better blood flow, which lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart.
Imagine waking up each day feeling drained and breathless, struggling with even the simplest activities. Heart failure can make daily life challenging, but there’s hope. While lifestyle changes are crucial, Entresto offers a powerful solution. This medication reduces the strain on your heart, allowing it to work more efficiently and easing the symptoms of heart failure. With Entresto, you can experience improved energy and functionality, helping you tackle daily tasks with greater ease and regain a sense of normalcy.
This article explores how Entresto functions, what conditions it is used to treat, and its vital role in managing heart failure.
What is Entresto?
Entresto, also known by the generic name sacubitril/valsartan, is a combination of two active ingredients that work together to manage heart failure. It was approved by the FDA in 2015 and is prescribed primarily for individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which is also referred to as systolic heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart’s ability to pump blood is diminished, specifically due to weakened muscles in the left ventricle—the heart’s main pumping chamber.
How Does Entresto Work?
Entresto’s unique effectiveness comes from its combination of two drugs: sacubitril, a neprilysin inhibitor, and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Together, these components offer a dual mechanism of action that targets multiple pathways involved in heart failure.
Sacubitril (Neprilysin Inhibitor)
Sacubitril inhibits an enzyme called neprilysin, which plays a role in the breakdown of certain beneficial peptides like natriuretic peptides. These peptides help relax blood vessels, reduce sodium levels, and eliminate excess fluid through urination. By inhibiting neprilysin, sacubitril allows these peptides to remain active longer, which in turn promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), reduces blood pressure, and decreases the stress on the heart.
Valsartan (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)
Valsartan belongs to a class of medications known as ARBs. It functions by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that triggers blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure and making the heart work harder. By inhibiting angiotensin II, valsartan helps lower blood pressure, relax the blood vessels, and decrease the heart’s workload.
Why is Entresto Prescribed for Heart Failure?
The Entresto drug class is primarily used for treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. Patients with HFrEF are at risk for worsening symptoms, hospitalizations, and even death due to the progression of the disease. By improving heart function and preventing further decline, Entresto offers significant benefits for these patients.
Here are the main reasons why doctors prescribe Entresto:
Improves Survival Rates
Studies have shown that Entresto significantly improves survival rates in patients with heart failure. In a landmark study, patients taking Entresto had a 20% reduction in the likelihood of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure than those taking enalapril, an ACE inhibitor. This trial highlighted Entresto’s superior efficacy, leading to its widespread use in heart failure management.
Reduces Hospitalizations
Frequent hospitalizations are common for heart failure patients, leading to a decline in their quality of life. Entresto has been proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure exacerbations. By helping patients manage symptoms more effectively, Entresto lowers the likelihood of sudden episodes that require urgent medical care.
Enhances Quality of Life
Beyond survival, Entresto helps improve the day-to-day well-being of patients. As heart function stabilizes, symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention are alleviated, making it easier for patients to take part in physical activities and pursue a more active lifestyle.
Who Should Use Entresto?
Entresto is recommended for adults with chronic heart failure and, specifically, those with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients typically start Entresto if they:
- Are already on other heart failure medications (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs) but are still experiencing symptoms.
- Have been hospitalized for heart failure recently or have had worsening heart failure symptoms.
- Have a low ejection fraction, indicating the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood efficiently.
Doctors may not prescribe Entresto to patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition where the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood is impaired, but the ejection fraction remains normal.
In addition, patients are advised to monitor for any of the medication’s side effects. Regular blood tests may be necessary to track potassium levels and kidney function.
Important Considerations
There are a few critical factors to keep in mind when taking Entresto:
- Pregnancy: Entresto is not safe during pregnancy, as it may potentially harm the developing fetus. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while on this medication.
- Liver or Kidney Issues: Patients with impaired liver or kidney function may require adjusted doses or closer monitoring.
- Drug Interactions: Entresto can interact with other medications, including diuretics, potassium supplements, and certain blood pressure medications, potentially leading to harmful effects.
Entresto represents a major advancement in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Combining the effects of sacubitril and valsartan helps reduce the strain on the heart, improves survival, and enhances the quality of life for patients. Its dual mechanism of action addresses multiple pathways involved in heart failure, making it a powerful tool for managing this complex condition.
If you or a loved one has heart failure, talk to your doctor about whether Entresto could be a suitable treatment option. Understanding its role in heart failure treatment could pave the way for better health outcomes and a more manageable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for Entresto to start working?
Entresto may start to show benefits within a few weeks, but it can take several months to experience its full effects. It’s important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.
Can Entresto be taken with other heart failure medications?
Yes, Entresto can be used in combination with other heart failure medications. However, it is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions and adjust doses as needed.
What are the common side effects of Entresto?
Common side effects of Entresto include dizziness, low blood pressure, elevated potassium levels, and kidney function changes. If you experience any severe side effects or symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Can I stop taking Entresto if I feel better?
It is important not to stop taking Entresto without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping the medication abruptly can result in the worsening of heart failure symptoms and other complications. Always follow your doctor’s guidance regarding medication use.
