About Sacubitril + Valsartan 24 mg/26 mg Tablet
Sacubitril + Valsartan 24 mg/26 mg Tablet contains Sacubitril 24 mg + Valsartan 26 mg. This combination is used to treat long-term heart failure in adults, where the heart does not pump as well as it should. It helps the heart work more easily and lowers the risk of hospital stays. It is usually taken twice a day, and it must not be taken with ACE inhibitor medicines or during pregnancy.
Uses of Sacubitril + Valsartan 24 mg/26 mg Tablet
- Long-term (chronic) heart failure with reduced pumping function
Benefits
In heart failure
It reduces strain on the heart, which can ease breathlessness and tiredness and lower the chance of being admitted to hospital. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Low blood pressure, causing dizziness
- High potassium levels
- Reduced kidney function on blood tests
- Cough
- Tiredness
Get medical help if you notice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing — stop and seek emergency care
- Fainting or feeling very light-headed — contact your doctor
- Much less urine than usual or swelling — contact your doctor
- Muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat (possible high potassium) — get medical help
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually twice a day. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and increase it slowly.
How it works
Sacubitril blocks an enzyme called neprilysin, which lets the body's natural heart-protecting hormones work for longer. Valsartan blocks angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. Together they relax blood vessels and reduce the load on the heart.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further. Keep it to a minimum and ask your doctor.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It must not be used in pregnancy, as it can harm the baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor about other options.
Driving Caution
It may cause dizziness or tiredness. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor will check your kidney function and potassium; the dose may need to be changed.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease. It must not be used in severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not take it within 36 hours of an ACE inhibitor (such as enalapril or ramipril).
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had swelling of the face or throat (angioedema).
- Get up slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your doctor says so.
- Keep your blood test appointments.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Neprilysin inhibitor prodrug (sacubitril); biphenyl tetrazole (valsartan)
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular
- Action class
- Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors | Must not be taken together — high risk of serious swelling (angioedema) |
| Aliskiren | Higher risk of low blood pressure, high potassium and kidney problems |
| Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing water pills | Higher risk of high potassium |
| NSAID painkillers | Can strain the kidneys and reduce the effect |
| Lithium | Lithium levels may rise |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Sacubitril and valsartan prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Sacubitril/valsartan Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.