Sacubitril + Valsartan is a cardiovascular agent that belongs to angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi). The FDA approved this combination in July 7, 2015.

It is used to treat a type of long-term heart failure in adults. This combination is used with other medications to lower the risk of death and hospitalisation in adults with certain types of heart failure.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity and other factors. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. You can take Sacubitril + Valsartan with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.

Common side effects of sacubitril + valsartan are low blood pressure, dizziness, and increased potassium levels. Other serious side effects of this medicine are kidney damage and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, and difficulties in breathing).

Do not take Sacubitril + Valsartan if you are allergic to Sacubitril, valsartan, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are having or ever had a reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, and difficulties in breathing). Do not take this medicine if you have diabetes or impaired kidney function and if you are being treated with a blood pressure-lowering medicine containing Aliskiren. Do not consume this tablet if you have severe liver disease or are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other heart medicines before starting this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, severe kidney disease, dehydration, liver disease, hallucinations, or changes in your sleeping pattern. This medicine can make you feel tired, dizzy, or sleepy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if this medicine affects you.  Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Sacubitril + Valsartan and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Inform your physician if you are taking medicines that contain aliskiren.

It is advisable to take your medicine at the same time each day. However, if you forget to take a dose, you should take the next one at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. Inform your physician if you have kidney problems before initiating the therapy. This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium(EMC), [Revised on June 2023 [Accessed on 14th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5074.pdf
2. Novartis, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on February 2021] [Accessed on 14th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/207620s018lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Cardiac Glycosides and Drugs for Heart Failure, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 556-569.
4. Ian A. Reid, Vasoactive Peptides, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 300-320.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.