September
Entresto: The New Drug for Heart Failure
There has been an exciting new development in the treatment for heart failure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new class of drugs that have significant positive impact on patients suffering from heart failure. Entresto is the newest drug in the fight against heart failure. Heart failure is the leading cause of cardiovascular death of adults in the United States. Entresto gives new promise to allowing heart failure patients with reduced heart function the hope of living longer, healthier, more active lives.
What is Entresto?
Entresto is the first in a new class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors. It is a combination of sacubitril and valsartan. It has been shown through clinical trials to reduce the rate of death and hospitalization. The trial participants took standard heart failure medications such as beta-blockers and diuretics in addition to Entresto. This drug replaces ACE inhibitors. Entresto cannot, be used with ACE inhibitors.
What is so exciting about Entresto?
The landmark trial that led to the approval of Entresto demonstrated significant benefit for patients with congestive heart failure with reduced heart function. It takes treating just 35 patients to save a life or prevent a hospitalization for heart failure. These kinds of benefit are not commonly demonstrated. On top of such benefit there is improvement in symptoms. Due to the significant positive effect of Entresto, the approval was sped up to be able to distribute it quickly to heart failure patients in need of treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Entresto?
The common side effects of included low blood pressure, elevated blood potassium, and impaired kidney function. There were some serious side effects that occurred with Entresto, specifically severe allergic reactions. If you are a patient prone to angioedema, a swelling of the lips or face, you should discuss this with your doctor prior to taking Entresto.
If you have any questions about if Entresto is right for you, you need to speak directly to your specialist. We will continue to monitor new drugs available for patients that are currently suffering from heart failure.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our experienced doctors, call Brookhaven Heart at 631-654-3278. We are happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
