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Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure. It is a combination of sacubitril and valsartan, which belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). While Entresto can be an effective treatment for heart failure, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, which can range from mild to severe. One of the most serious potential side effects is angioedema, or swelling of the deep tissues, particularly in the face, lips, throat, and neck. Another potentially serious side effect is hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood, which can cause muscle weakness, among other symptoms.
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What You'll Learn
Entresto and high potassium levels
Entresto is a medication used to treat certain people with heart failure. While on Entresto, your doctor may want to monitor your potassium levels through laboratory tests. This is because Entresto can cause high potassium levels in the blood, a condition called hyperkalemia.
If you are taking valsartan, you should avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without first consulting your doctor. This is because the combination of these medications may significantly increase potassium levels in the blood. In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.
If you have a high potassium level, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Confusion
- Tingling of the extremities
- Feelings of heaviness in the legs
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms feel life-threatening, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
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Angioedema and allergic reactions
Entresto is a medication that combines sacubitril and valsartan to treat heart failure. While it can be effective, it may also cause mild to severe side effects. One such side effect is angioedema, a type of severe allergic reaction.
Angioedema involves swelling under the skin, typically in the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. In severe cases, it can cause throat swelling and trouble breathing, which can be life-threatening. People with a history of angioedema, particularly those who have experienced it after taking an ACE inhibitor, are at a higher risk of developing angioedema while on Entresto. Additionally, Black individuals are more susceptible to this condition while taking the medication. If you experience mild swelling without respiratory distress, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. However, if you have difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency number.
Entresto may also cause mild allergic reactions, although specific symptoms are not mentioned. Nonetheless, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any adverse effects.
It is worth noting that Entresto is contraindicated in individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Additionally, due to the risk of angioedema, it is not recommended for people diagnosed with hereditary angioedema.
While sore muscles were not explicitly mentioned as a side effect of Entresto, high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are a known consequence. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Extremely high potassium levels can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical care. Therefore, if you experience muscle weakness or other symptoms indicative of high potassium levels while taking Entresto, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider promptly.
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Kidney problems
Entresto is a medication that combines sacubitril and valsartan to treat heart failure. While Entresto can be effective, it may cause mild to severe side effects. One of the most common side effects of Entresto is low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness.
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fast heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
It is important to note that a mildly high level of potassium in the blood may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function and potassium levels during your Entresto treatment and adjust the dosage or recommend alternative medications if needed.
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Mild side effects
Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure. It is a combination of sacubitril and valsartan. While it can be effective, it may also cause mild to serious side effects. It is important to note that these side effects are typically temporary and may go away within a few days or weeks. If they persist or become bothersome, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice and guidance.
Some of the mild side effects associated with Entresto include:
- Low blood pressure: This is one of the most common side effects of Entresto. It can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness but typically resolves within a day of stopping the medication.
- Cough: A dry, hacking cough is a known side effect of valsartan, one of the components of Entresto. This cough may persist and should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider if it does not subside.
- Increased potassium levels: While mildly increased potassium levels may not cause any symptoms, very high levels can lead to serious complications, including nausea, muscle weakness, and abnormal heart rhythm.
- Allergic reactions: Mild allergic reactions to Entresto are possible and may include symptoms such as a rash or mild swelling. However, severe allergic reactions, known as angioedema, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Other minor side effects: Entresto may also cause minor side effects such as itching, weight gain, and shortness of breath. While these may not seem concerning, they could indicate underlying issues, especially related to heart failure, and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
It is important to remember that the occurrence of side effects varies from person to person, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. Additionally, there may be other mild side effects not mentioned here, and seeking advice from a doctor or pharmacist is always recommended when concerned about any changes in health while taking Entresto or any other medication.
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Serious side effects
Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is a medication used to treat heart failure. It can cause both mild and serious side effects. Serious side effects are not common, but they can occur and may require emergency treatment.
One serious side effect of Entresto is angioedema, a severe allergic reaction that causes swelling under the skin, typically in the eyelids, lips, hands, feet, face, throat, and neck. Angioedema can cause difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening. People with a history of angioedema or those who are Black are at a higher risk of experiencing this side effect.
Another serious side effect is hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fast heart rate, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Approximately 12% of people taking Entresto will experience problems with high potassium levels.
Entresto may also cause kidney problems, which in some cases can lead to kidney failure. This is especially true when Entresto is taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, as these drugs are toxic to the kidneys.
Additionally, Entresto can cause extremely low blood pressure, especially when taken with other blood pressure medications or certain types of psychiatric medications. This can lead to dizziness and, in severe cases, may require medical attention.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if any serious side effects occur while taking Entresto.
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Frequently asked questions
High potassium levels, a side effect of Entresto, can cause muscle weakness and pain.
Entresto can cause mild or serious side effects. The most common side effect is low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness. Other mild side effects include coughing and slightly increased potassium levels.
Very low blood pressure, extremely high potassium levels, and kidney problems are possible serious side effects of Entresto.
Side effects are commonly experienced with Entresto, and they could become serious problems. However, they are typically due to underlying physical conditions.
If you experience any side effects from Entresto, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Entresto unless your doctor recommends it.
