This product is used to treat certain types of heart
failure. It may help you live longer and lower your chance of having to go
to the hospital for heart failure. This product contains 2 medications:
sacubitril and valsartan. Sacubitril belongs to a class of drugs called
neprilysin inhibitors and valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). They work by relaxing blood vessels
so that blood can flow more easily, which makes it easier for your heart to
pump blood to your body.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this
product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Take this product by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also
based on weight.
If you are using the suspension form of this medication,
shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a
special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you
may not get the correct dose.
If you are using the capsule that contains pellets, do
not swallow these capsules whole. You must open the capsule(s) and sprinkle
the pellets on 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls (5-10 milliliters) of soft food as
directed. Take the mixture right away. Do not store the mixture for later
use. Do not crush or chew the pellets before swallowing. Throw away the
empty capsule shell(s) in the trash. Do not give the pellets through a
feeding tube.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this product at a low dose and gradually increase your
dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
This product should not be taken with ACE inhibitors
(such as captopril, enalapril) since your risk of serious side effects may
increase. Do not take this product for at least 36 hours before or after
taking an ACE inhibitor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get
worse.
Cough, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle
weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to sacubitril; or to valsartan; or to other
ARBs (such as candesartan, losartan); or to ACE inhibitors (such as
quinapril, ramipril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- dehydration
- high level of potassium in the blood
- serious allergic reaction conditions that included swelling
of your face/lips/tongue/throat/trouble breathing (such as angioedema,
hereditary angioedema)
This product may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause
dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have
severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids
unless your doctor tells you not to.
This product may increase your potassium levels. Before
using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using sacubitril/valsartan.
Valsartan may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your
doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. (See
also Warning section.)
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use and Precautions sections.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this medication
include:
- aliskiren
- lithium
- drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood
(such as sparsentan, ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth
control pills containing drospirenone)
Some products have ingredients that could worsen your
heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask
how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fainting.
Do not share this product with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function,
potassium levels) should be done while you are taking this product. Keep
all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Discard any unused suspension after 15 days.
Do not store the suspension in the refrigerator. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.