If you’re taking Entresto, a medication commonly prescribed for heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, you may be wondering what would happen if you suddenly stopped taking it.
Would there be any side effects or complications? The answer is yes, and it’s important to understand the potential consequences before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Entresto is a combination of two drugs that work together to reduce the strain on the heart and improve its function. It’s a powerful medication that can help manage heart failure symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, like all medications, it’s important to take it as prescribed to avoid any unwanted effects.
If you’re considering stopping Entresto, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor first. Abruptly discontinuing the medication can lead to serious health complications, including worsening heart failure and even death.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential consequences of suddenly stopping Entresto and what you can do to safely transition off the medication if needed.
What is Entresto?
Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure. It works by increasing the levels of a hormone called natriuretic peptide, which helps to reduce blood pressure and fluid buildup in the body.
Entresto is a combination of two drugs: sacubitril and valsartan. It is prescribed for patients who have chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, which means that the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should.
Entresto has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in these patients. It is important to take Entresto as directed by your doctor and to let them know if you experience any side effects.
What is Entresto Used For?
Treatment of heart failure
Entresto is primarily used for the treatment of heart failure. It is specifically designed for patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and is meant to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart failure.
It works by inhibiting an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death
Entresto has also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure. This is because it helps to improve the function of the heart and reduces the risk of complications that can lead to death.
Improving exercise tolerance
Patients taking Entresto may experience an improvement in their exercise tolerance. This is because the medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart, allowing patients to exercise more comfortably and for longer periods of time.
Managing symptoms of heart failure
Entresto can also help to manage the symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.
By improving the function of the heart, patients may experience a reduction in these symptoms and an improvement in their overall quality of life.
Treating high blood pressure
In some cases, Entresto may be used to treat high blood pressure. This is because the medication can help to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart.
Reducing the risk of hospitalization
Entresto has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure. By improving the function of the heart and reducing the risk of complications, patients may be less likely to require hospitalization for heart failure-related issues.
Side effects of Entresto
Dizziness and lightheadedness
One of the most common side effects of Entresto is dizziness and lightheadedness. This can be caused by the medication lowering blood pressure too much, which can result in feelings of faintness or even fainting.
Fatigue and weakness
Another side effect of Entresto is fatigue and weakness. This is because the medication can reduce the amount of blood pumped by the heart, which can lead to feelings of tiredness and weakness.
Cough
Entresto can cause a persistent cough in some patients. This is because the medication can increase the levels of a hormone called bradykinin, which can irritate the lungs and cause a cough.
Hypotension
Entresto can cause hypotension or low blood pressure. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Kidney problems
In rare cases, Entresto can cause kidney problems. This is because the medication can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage or even kidney failure.
Hyperkalemia
Entresto can cause hyperkalemia or high levels of potassium in the blood. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to heart palpitations, muscle weakness, and even heart failure.
Allergic reactions
In rare cases, Entresto can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
What Happens If You Suddenly Stop Taking Entresto?
Increased risk of heart failure symptoms
Entresto is a medication used to treat heart failure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart.
Suddenly stopping Entresto can cause an increase in heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and fatigue.
Rebound hypertension
Entresto also helps to lower blood pressure by blocking certain enzymes in the body.
Stopping Entresto suddenly can cause rebound hypertension, which is a sudden increase in blood pressure. This can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.
Worsening of kidney function
Entresto can help to improve kidney function in some patients with heart failure. Suddenly stopping the medication can cause a sudden decline in kidney function, which can be dangerous for those with pre-existing kidney problems.
Increased risk of hospitalization
Stopping Entresto suddenly can increase the risk of hospitalization for heart failure or other related conditions. This can be especially dangerous for those with severe heart failure or other medical conditions.
Withdrawal symptoms
Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when suddenly stopping Entresto. These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Need for alternative treatment
If a patient needs to stop taking Entresto for any reason, they should work with their healthcare provider to find an alternative treatment plan.
This may involve switching to a different medication or making other changes to their treatment regimen.
Increased risk of mortality
Studies have shown that abruptly stopping Entresto can increase the risk of mortality in patients with heart failure.
It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider when making changes to any medication regimen to ensure the safest and most effective treatment.
Conclusion
If you suddenly stop taking Entresto, it can have serious consequences for your health. Entresto is a medication that is used to treat heart failure and it works by reducing the workload on your heart and improving blood flow.
If you stop taking it suddenly, your heart may have to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to a variety of complications such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and even heart failure.
It is important to talk to your doctor before stopping any medication, including Entresto, as they can provide guidance on how to safely wean off the medication and prevent any potential health risks.
