Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Sacubitril, Valsartan may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Entresto is a heart medicine containing an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor. It delivers two active substances, sacubitril and valsartan. Entresto is used to treat a type of long-term heart failure in adults, children and adolescents (one year and older). This type of heart failure occurs when the heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. The most common symptoms of heart failure are breathlessness, fatigue, tiredness and ankle swelling. 2.
e Entresto
Do not take Entresto • if you are allergic to sacubitril, valsartan or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). • if you are taking another type of medicine called an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (for example enalapril, lisinopril or ramipril), which is used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. If you have been taking an ACE inhibitor, wait for 36 hours after taking the last dose before you start to take Entresto (see "Other medicines and Entresto"). • if you have ever had a reaction called angioedema (rapid swelling under the skin in areas such as the face, throat, arms and legs which can be life threatening if throat swelling blocks the airway) when taking an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (such as valsartan, telmisartan or irbesartan). • if you have a history of angioedema which is hereditary or for which the cause is unknown (idiopathic). • if you have diabetes or impaired kidney function and you are being treated with a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren (see "Other medicines and Entresto"). • if you have severe liver disease. 1
• if you are more than 3 months pregnant (see "Pregnancy and breast-feeding"). If any of the above applies to you, do not take Entresto and talk to your doctor. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before or when taking Entresto: • if you are being treated with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or aliskiren (see "Do not take Entresto"). • if you have ever had angioedema (see "Do not take Entresto" and section 4 "Possible side effects"). • if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea after taking Entresto. Your doctor will decide on further treatment. Do not stop taking Entresto on your own. • if you have low blood pressure or are taking any other medicines that reduce your blood pressure (for example, a medicine that increases urine production (diuretic)) or are suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if you are aged 65 years or more, or if you have kidney disease and low blood pressure. • if you have kidney disease. • if you are suffering from dehydration. • if your kidney artery has narrowed. • if you have liver disease. • if you experience hallucinations, paranoia or changes in sleeping pattern while taking Entresto. • if you have hyperkalaemia (high levels of potassium in the blood). • if you suffer from heart failure classified as NYHA class IV (unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort and may have symptoms even when resting). If any of the above applies to you, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you take Entresto. Your doctor may check the amount of potassium and sodium in your blood at regular intervals during Entresto treatment. In addition, your doctor may check your blood pressure at start of treatment and when the doses are increased. Children and adolescents Do not give this medicine to children aged below 1 year because it has not been studied in this age group. For children one year and older with a body weight below 40 kg, this medicine will be given as granules (instead of tablets). Other medicines and Entresto Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. It may be necessary to change the dose, to take other precautions, or even to stop taking one of the medicines. This is particularly important for the following medicines: • ACE inhibitors. Do not take Entresto with ACE inhibitors. If you have been taking an ACE inhibitor, wait 36 hours after taking the last dose of the ACE inhibitor before starting to take Entresto (see "Do not take Entresto"). If you stop taking Entresto, wait 36 hours after taking your last dose of Entresto before starting an ACE inhibitor. • other medicines used to treat heart failure or lower blood pressure, such as angiotensin receptor blockers or aliskiren (see "Do not take Entresto"). • some medicines known as statins that are used to lower high cholesterol levels (for example atorvastatin). • sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil or avanafil, which are medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction or lung hypertension. • medicines that increase the amount of potassium in the blood. These include potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, potassium-sparing medicines and heparin. • painkillers of the type called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or selective cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) inhibitors. If you are taking one of these, your doctor may want to check your kidney function when starting or adjusting treatment (see "Warnings and 2
precautions"). • lithium, a medicine used to treat some types of psychiatric illness. • furosemide, a medicine belonging to the type known as diuretics, which are used to increase the amount of urine you produce. • nitroglycerine, a medicine used to treat angina pectoris. • some types of antibiotics (rifamycin group), ciclosporin (used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs) or antivirals such as ritonavir (used to treat HIV/AIDS). • metformin, a medicine used to treat diabetes. If any of the above applies to you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before you take Entresto. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Pregnancy You must tell your doctor if you think that you are (or might become) pregnant. Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking this medicine before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant, and will advise you to take another medicine instead of Entresto. This medicine is not recommended in early pregnancy, and must not be taken when more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if it is used after the third month of pregnancy. Breast-feeding Entresto is not recommended for mothers who are breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or about to start breast-feeding. Driving and using machines Before you drive a vehicle, use tools or operate machines, or carry out other activities that require concentration, make sure you know how Entresto affects you. If you feel dizzy or very tired while taking this medicine, do not drive a vehicle, cycle or use any tools or machines. Entresto contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 97 mg/103 mg dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'. 3.
Entresto
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Adults You will usually start by taking a 24 mg/26 mg or 49 mg/51 mg tablet twice a day (one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening). Your doctor will decide your exact starting dose based on which medicines you have been taking previously and your blood pressure. Your doctor will then adjust the dose every 2-4 weeks depending on how you respond to the treatment until the best dose for you is found. The usual recommended target dose is 97 mg/103 mg twice a day (one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening). Children and adolescents (one year and older) Your (or your child's) doctor will decide the starting dose based on body weight and other factors including previously taken medicines. The doctor will adjust the dose every 2-4 weeks until the best dose is found. 3
Entresto should be given twice a day (one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening). Entresto film-coated tablets are not meant to be used in children who weigh less than 40 kg. For these patients, Entresto granules are available. Patients taking Entresto can develop low blood pressure (dizziness, light-headedness), a high level of potassium in the blood (which would be detected when your doctor performed a blood test) or decreased kidney function. If this happens, your doctor may reduce the dose of any other medicine you are taking, temporarily reduce the Entresto dose, or stop Entresto treatment completely. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. You can take Entresto with or without food. Splitting or crushing of the tablets is not recommended. If you take more Entresto than you should If you have accidentally taken too many Entresto tablets, or if someone else has taken your tablets, contact your doctor immediately. If you experience severe dizziness and/or fainting, tell your doctor as quickly as possible and lie down. If you forget to take Entresto It is advisable to take your medicine at the same time each day. However, if you forget to take a dose, you should simply take the next one at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Entresto Stopping your treatment with Entresto may cause your condition to get worse. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some side effects may be serious. • Stop taking Entresto and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, which may cause difficulties in breathing or swallowing. These may be signs of angioedema (an uncommon side effect which may affect up to 1 in 100 people). • Intestinal angioedema: a swelling in the gut presenting with symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (a very rare side effect which may affect up to 1 in 10 000 people). Other possible side effects: If any of the side effects listed below becomes severe, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • low blood pressure, which can cause symptoms of dizziness and light-headedness (hypotension) • high level of potassium in the blood, shown in a blood test (hyperkalaemia) • decreased kidney function (renal impairment) Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • cough • dizziness • diarrhoea • low level of red blood cells, shown in a blood test (anaemia) • tiredness (fatigue) 4
• • • • • • • • • •
(acute) inability of the kidney to work properly (renal failure) low level of potassium in the blood, shown in a blood test (hypokalaemia) headache fainting (syncope) weakness (asthenia) feeling sick (nausea) low blood pressure (dizziness, light-headedness) when switching from sitting or lying to standing position gastritis (stomach pain, nausea) spinning sensation (vertigo) low level of sugar in the blood, shown in a blood test (hypoglycaemia)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • allergic reaction with rash and itching (hypersensitivity) • dizziness when switching from sitting to standing position (dizziness postural) • low level of sodium in the blood, shown in a blood test (hyponatraemia) Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1 000 people) • seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations) • changes in sleeping pattern (sleep disorder) Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10 000 people) • paranoia Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) • sudden involuntary muscle twitching (myoclonus)
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Entresto
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special temperature storage conditions. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. Do not use this medicine if you notice that the pack is damaged or shows signs of tampering. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Entresto contains • The active substances are sacubitril and valsartan. o Each 24 mg/26 mg film-coated tablet contains 24.3 mg sacubitril and 25.7 mg valsartan (as sacubitril valsartan sodium salt complex). o Each 49 mg/51 mg film-coated tablet contains 48.6 mg sacubitril and 51.4 mg valsartan (as sacubitril valsartan sodium salt complex). 5
Each 97 mg/103 mg film-coated tablet contains 97.2 mg sacubitril and 102.8 mg valsartan (as sacubitril valsartan sodium salt complex). The other ingredients in the tablet core are microcrystalline cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, talc and silica colloidal anhydrous (see end of section 2 under 'Entresto contains sodium'). The 24 mg/26 mg and the 97 mg/103 mg tablet coatings contain hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogol (4000), talc, iron oxide red (E172) and iron oxide black (E172). The 49 mg/51 mg tablet coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogol (4000), talc, iron oxide red (E172) and iron oxide yellow (E172).
o • • •
What Entresto looks like and contents of the pack Entresto 24 mg/26 mg film-coated tablets are violet-white oval tablets with "NVR" on one side and "LZ" on the other side. Approximate tablet dimensions 13.1 mm x 5.2 mm. Entresto 49 mg/51 mg film-coated tablets are pale yellow oval tablets with "NVR" on one side and "L1" on the other side. Approximate tablet dimensions 13.1 mm x 5.2 mm Entresto 97 mg/103 mg film-coated tablets are light pink oval tablets with "NVR" on one side and "L11" on the other side. Approximate tablet dimensions 15.1 mm x 6.0 mm. The tablets are supplied in packs containing 14, 20, 28, 56, 168 or 196 tablets and in multipacks comprising 7 cartons, each containing 28 tablets. The 49 mg/51 mg and 97 mg/103 mg tablets are also supplied in multipacks comprising 3 cartons, each containing 56 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building, White City Place 195 Wood Lane London W12 7FQ United Kingdom Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building, White City Place 195 Wood Lane London W12 7FQ United Kingdom For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder: United Kingdom Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Tel: +44 1276 698370 This leaflet was last revised in February 2026
6
Entresto 97 mg/103 mg film-coated tablets comes as tablet containing 97mg / 103mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Entresto 97 mg/103 mg film-coated tablets is sacubitril, valsartan.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Entresto 97 mg/103 mg film-coated tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Adult heart failure
Entresto is indicated in adult patients for treatment of symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (see section 5.1).
Paediatric heart failure
Entresto is indicated in children and adolescents aged one year or older for treatment of symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (see section 5.1).
Posology
General considerations
Entresto should not be co‑administered with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Due to the potential risk of angioedema when used concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor, it must not be started for at least 36 hours after discontinuing ACE inhibitor therapy (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5).
The valsartan contained within Entresto is more bioavailable than the valsartan in other marketed tablet formulations (see section 5.2).
If a dose is missed, the patient should take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Adult heart failure
The recommended starting dose of Entresto is one tablet of 49 mg/51 mg twice daily, except in the situations described below. The dose should be doubled at 2‑4 weeks to the target dose of one tablet of 97 mg/103 mg twice daily, as tolerated by the patient (see section 5.1).
If patients experience tolerability issues (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≤95 mmHg, symptomatic hypotension, hyperkalaemia, renal dysfunction), adjustment of concomitant medicinal products, temporary down–titration or discontinuation of Entresto is recommended (see section 4.4).
In PARADIGM-HF study, Entresto was administered in conjunction with other heart failure therapies, in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARB (see section 5.1). There is limited experience in patients not currently taking an ACE inhibitor or an ARB or taking low doses of these medicinal products, therefore a starting dose of 24 mg/26 mg twice daily and slow dose titration (doubling every 3‑4 weeks) are recommended in these patients (see “Titration” in section 5.1).
Treatment should not be initiated in patients with serum potassium level >5.4 mmol/l or with SBP <100 mmHg (see section 4.4). A starting dose of 24 mg/26 mg twice daily should be considered for patients with SBP ≥100 to 110 mmHg.
Paediatric heart failure
Table 1 shows the recommended dose for paediatric patients. The recommended dose should be taken orally twice daily. The dose should be increased every 2‑4 weeks to the target dose, as tolerated by the patient.
Entresto film-coated tablets are not suitable for children weighing less than 40 kg. Entresto granules are available for these patients.
Table 1 Recommended dose titration
Patient weight
To be given twice daily
Half the starting dose*
Starting dose
Intermediate dose
Target dose
Paediatric patients less than 40 kg
0.8 mg/kg#
1.6 mg/kg#
2.3 mg/kg#
3.1 mg/kg#
Paediatric patients at least 40 kg, less than 50 kg
0.8 mg/kg#
24 mg/26 mg
49 mg/51 mg
72 mg/78 mg
Paediatric patients at least 50 kg
24 mg/26 mg
49 mg/51 mg
72 mg/78 mg
97 mg/103 mg
* Half the starting dose is recommended in patients who have not been taking an ACE inhibitor or an ARB or have been taking low doses of these medicinal products, patients who have renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and patients who have moderate hepatic impairment (see special populations).
#0.8 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 2.3 mg/kg and 3.1 mg/kg refer to the combined amount of sacubitril and valsartan and are to be given using granules.
In patients not currently taking an ACE inhibitor or an ARB or taking low doses of these medicinal products, half of the starting dose is recommended. For paediatric patients weighing 40 kg to less than 50 kg, a starting dose of 0.8 mg/kg twice daily (given as granules) is recommended. After initiation, the dose should be increased to the standard starting dose following the recommended dose titration in Table 1 and adjusted every 3‑4 weeks.
For example, a paediatric patient weighing 25 kg who has not previously taken an ACE inhibitor should start with half the standard starting dose, which corresponds to 20 mg (25 kg × 0.8 mg/kg) twice daily, given as granules. After rounding to the closest number of full capsules, this corresponds to 2 capsules of 6 mg/6 mg sacubitril/valsartan twice daily.
Treatment should not be initiated in patients with serum potassium level >5.3 mmol/l or with SBP <5th percentile for the age of the patient. If patients experience tolerability issues (SBP <5th percentile for the age of the patient, symptomatic hypotension, hyperkalaemia, renal dysfunction), adjustment of concomitant medicinal products, temporary down‑titration or discontinuation of Entresto is recommended (see section 4.4).
Special populations
Elderly
The dose should be in line with the renal function of the elderly patient.
Renal impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild (eGFR 60‑90 ml/min/1.73 m2) renal impairment. Half of the starting dose should be considered in patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30‑60 ml/min/1.73 m2). As there is very limited clinical experience in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2) (see section 5.1), Entresto should be used with caution and half of the starting dose is recommended. In paediatric patients weighing 40 kg to less than 50 kg, a starting dose of 0.8 mg/kg twice daily (given as granules) is recommended. After initiation, the dose should be increased following the recommended dose titration every 2-4 weeks.
There is no experience in patients with end-stage renal disease and use of Entresto is not recommended.
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required when administering Entresto to patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh A classification).
There is limited clinical experience in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh B classification) or with aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) values more than twice the upper limit of the normal range. Entresto should be used with caution in these patients and half of the starting dose is recommended (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). In paediatric patients weighing 40 kg to less than 50 kg, a starting dose of 0.8 mg/kg twice daily (given as granules) is recommended. After initiation, the dose should be increased following the recommended dose titration every 2-4 weeks.
Entresto is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis (Child‑Pugh C classification) (see section 4.3).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Entresto in children aged below 1 year have not been established. Currently available data are described in section 5.1 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of administration
Oral use.
Entresto may be administered with or without food (see section 5.2). The tablets must be swallowed with a glass of water. Splitting or crushing of the tablets is not recommended.
• Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Concomitant use with ACE inhibitors (see sections 4.4 and 4.5). Entresto must not be administered until 36 hours after discontinuing ACE inhibitor therapy.
• Known history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy (see section 4.4).
• Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema (see section 4.4).
• Concomitant use with aliskiren-containing medicinal products in patients with diabetes mellitus or in patients with renal impairment (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).
• Severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis and cholestasis (see section 4.2).
• Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see section 4.6).
Dual blockade of the renin‑angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
• The combination of sacubitril/valsartan with an ACE inhibitor is contraindicated due to the increased risk of angioedema (see section 4.3). Sacubitril/valsartan must not be initiated until 36 hours after taking the last dose of ACE inhibitor therapy. If treatment with sacubitril/valsartan is stopped, ACE inhibitor therapy must not be initiated until 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5).
• The combination of sacubitril/valsartan with direct renin inhibitors such as aliskiren is not recommended (see section 4.5). The combination of sacubitril/valsartan with aliskiren-containing medicinal products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or in patients with renal impairment (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).
• Entresto contains valsartan, and therefore should not be co‑administered with another ARB containing medicinal product (see sections 4.2 and 4.5).
Hypotension
Treatment should not be initiated unless SBP is ≥100 mmHg for adult patients or ≥5th percentile SBP for the age of the paediatric patient. Patients with SBP below these values were not studied (see section 5.1). Cases of symptomatic hypotension have been reported in adult patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan during clinical studies (see section 4.8), especially in patients ≥65 years old, patients with renal disease and patients with low SBP (<112 mmHg). When initiating therapy or during dose titration with sacubitril/valsartan, blood pressure should be monitored routinely. If hypotension occurs, temporary down-titration or discontinuation of sacubitril/valsartan is recommended (see section 4.2). Dose adjustment of diuretics, concomitant antihypertensives and treatment of other causes of hypotension (e.g. hypovolaemia) should be considered. Symptomatic hypotension is more likely to occur if the patient has been volume‑depleted, e.g. by diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting. Sodium and/or volume depletion should be corrected before starting treatment with sacubitril/valsartan, however, such corrective action must be carefully weighed against the risk of volume overload.
Renal impairment
Evaluation of patients with heart failure should always include assessment of renal function. Patients with mild and moderate renal impairment are more at risk of developing hypotension (see section 4.2). There is very limited clinical experience in patients with severe renal impairment (estimated GFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2) and these patients may be at greatest risk of hypotension (see section 4.2). There is no experience in patients with end-stage renal disease and use of sacubitril/valsartan is not recommended.
Worsening renal function
Use of sacubitril/valsartan may be associated with decreased renal function. The risk may be further increased by dehydration or concomitant use of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) (see section 4.5). Down‑titration should be considered in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in renal function.
Hyperkalaemia
Treatment should not be initiated if the serum potassium level is >5.4 mmol/l in adult patients and >5.3 mmol/l in paediatric patients. Use of sacubitril/valsartan may be associated with an increased risk of hyperkalaemia, although hypokalaemia may also occur (see section 4.8). Monitoring of serum potassium is recommended, especially in patients who have risk factors such as renal impairment, diabetes mellitus or hypoaldosteronism or who are on a high potassium diet or on mineralocorticoid antagonists (see section 4.2). If patients experience clinically significant hyperkalaemia adjustment of concomitant medicinal products, or temporary down–titration or discontinuation is recommended. If serum potassium level is >5.4 mmol/l discontinuation should be considered.
Angioedema
Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan. If angioedema occurs, sacubitril/valsartan should be immediately discontinued and appropriate therapy and monitoring should be provided until complete and sustained resolution of signs and symptoms has occurred. It must not be re‑administered. In cases of confirmed angioedema where swelling has been confined to the face and lips, the condition has generally resolved without treatment, although antihistamines have been useful in relieving symptoms.
Angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema may be fatal. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, e.g. adrenaline solution 1 mg/1 ml (0.3‑0.5 ml), and/or measures necessary to ensure a patent airway, should be promptly administered.
Patients with a prior history of angioedema were not studied. As they may be at higher risk for angioedema, caution is recommended if sacubitril/valsartan is used in these patients. Sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated in patients with a known history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy or with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema (see section 4.3).
Black patients have an increased susceptibility to develop angioedema (see section 4.8).
Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including valsartan (see section 4.8). These patients presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. If intestinal angioedema is diagnosed, sacubitril/valsartan should be discontinued and appropriate monitoring should be initiated until complete resolution of symptoms has occurred.
Patients with renal artery stenosis
Sacubitril/valsartan may increase blood urea and serum creatinine levels in patients with bilateral or unilateral renal artery stenosis. Caution is required in patients with renal artery stenosis and monitoring of renal function is recommended.
Patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification IV
Caution should be exercised when initiating sacubitril/valsartan in patients with NYHA functional classification IV due to limited clinical experience in this population.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
BNP is not a suitable biomarker of heart failure in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan because it is a neprilysin substrate (see section 5.1).
Patients with hepatic impairment
There is limited clinical experience in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh B classification) or with AST/ALT values more than twice the upper limit of the normal range. In these patients, exposure may be increased and safety is not established. Caution is therefore recommended when using it in these patients (see section 4.2 and 5.2). Sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis (Child‑Pugh C classification) (see section 4.3).
Psychiatric disorders
Psychiatric events such as hallucinations, paranoia and sleep disorders, in context of psychotic events, have been associated with sacubitril/valsartan use. If a patient experiences such events, discontinuation of sacubitril/valsartan treatment should be considered.
Sodium
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 97 mg/103 mg dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.
Interactions resulting in a contraindication
ACE inhibitors
The concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan with ACE inhibitors is contraindicated, as the concomitant inhibition of neprilysin (NEP) and ACE may increase the risk of angioedema. Sacubitril/valsartan must not be started until 36 hours after taking the last dose of ACE inhibitor therapy. ACE inhibitor therapy must not be started until 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see sections 4.2 and 4.3).
Aliskiren
The concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan with aliskiren-containing medicinal products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or in patients with renal impairment (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) (see section 4.3). The combination of sacubitril/valsartan with direct renin inhibitors such as aliskiren is not recommended (see section 4.4). Combination of sacubitril/valsartan with aliskiren is potentially associated with a higher frequency of adverse reactions such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
Interactions resulting in concomitant use not being recommended
Sacubitril/valsartan contains valsartan, and therefore should not be co‑administered with another ARB containing medicinal product (see section 4.4).
Interactions requiring precautions
OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 substrates, e.g. statins
In vitro data indicate that sacubitril inhibits OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. Entresto may therefore increase the systemic exposure of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 substrates such as statins. Co‑administration of sacubitril/valsartan increased the Cmax of atorvastatin and its metabolites by up to 2‑fold and AUC by up to 1.3‑fold. Caution should be exercised when co‑administering sacubitril/valsartan with statins. No clinically relevant interaction was observed when simvastatin and Entresto were co-administered.
PDE5 inhibitors including sildenafil
Addition of a single dose of sildenafil to sacubitril/valsartan at steady state in patients with hypertension was associated with a significantly greater blood pressure reduction compared to administration of sacubitril/valsartan alone. Therefore, caution should be exercised when sildenafil or another PDE5 inhibitor is initiated in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan.
Potassium
Concomitant use of potassium‑sparing diuretics (triamterene, amiloride), mineralocorticoid antagonists (e.g. spironolactone, eplerenone), potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other agents (such as heparin) may lead to increases in serum potassium, and to increases in serum creatinine. Monitoring of serum potassium is recommended if sacubitril/valsartan is co‑administered with these agents (see section 4.4).
Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), including selective cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) inhibitors
In elderly patients, volume‑depleted patients (including those on diuretic therapy), or patients with compromised renal function, concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function. Therefore, monitoring of renal function is recommended when initiating or modifying treatment in patients on sacubitril/valsartan who are taking NSAIDs concomitantly (see section 4.4).
Lithium
Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists including sacubitril/valsartan. Therefore, this combination is not recommended. If the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended. If a diuretic is also used, the risk of lithium toxicity may be increased further.
Furosemide
Co-administration of sacubitril/valsartan and furosemide had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of sacubitril/valsartan but reduced Cmax and AUC of furosemide by 50% and 28%, respectively. While there was no relevant change in urine volume, the urinary excretion of sodium was reduced within 4 hours and 24 hours after co-administration. The average daily dose of furosemide was unchanged from baseline until the end of the PARADIGM-HF study in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan.
Nitrates, e.g. nitroglycerine
There was no interaction between sacubitril/valsartan and intravenously administered nitroglycerin with regard to blood pressure reduction. Co-administration of nitroglycerin and sacubitril/valsartan was associated with a treatment difference of 5 bpm in heart rate compared to the administration of nitroglycerine alone. A similar effect on the heart rate may occur when sacubitril/valsartan is co-administered with sublingual, oral or transdermal nitrates. In general no dose adjustment is required.
OATP and MRP2 transporters
The active metabolite of sacubitril (LBQ657) and valsartan are OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1 and OAT3 substrates; valsartan is also a MRP2 substrate. Therefore, co‑administration of sacubitril/valsartan with inhibitors of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT3 (e.g. rifampicin, ciclosporin), OAT1 (e.g. tenofovir, cidofovir) or MRP2 (e.g. ritonavir) may increase the systemic exposure of LBQ657 or valsartan. Appropriate care should be exercised when initiating or ending concomitant treatment with such medicinal products.
Metformin
Co-administration of sacubitril/valsartan with metformin reduced both Cmax and AUC of metformin by 23%. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. Therefore, when initiating therapy with sacubitril/valsartan in patients receiving metformin, the clinical status of the patient should be evaluated.
No significant interaction
No clinically meaningful interaction was observed when sacubitril/valsartan was co‑administered with digoxin, warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, omeprazole, carvedilol or a combination of levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol.
Pregnancy
The use of sacubitril/valsartan is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see section 4.3).
Valsartan
Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however, a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Whilst there is no controlled epidemiological data on the risk with ARBs, similar risks may exist for this class of medicinal product. Unless continued ARB therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ARBs should be stopped immediately and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started. Exposure to ARBs therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human foetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia).
Should exposure to ARBs have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended. Infants whose mothers have taken ARBs should be closely observed for hypotension (see section 4.3).
Sacubitril
There are no data from the use of sacubitril in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Sacubitril/valsartan
There are no data from the use of sacubitril/valsartan in pregnant women. Animal studies with sacubitril/valsartan have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Breast‑feeding
Limited data show that sacubitril and its active metabolite LBQ657 are excreted in human milk in very low amounts with an estimated relative infant dose of 0.01% for sacubitril and 0.46% for the active metabolite LBQ657 when administered to breast-feeding women at a dose of 24 mg/26 mg sacubitril/valsartan, twice daily. In the same data, valsartan was under the limit of detection. There is insufficient information on the effects of sacubitril/valsartan in newborns/infants. Because of the potential risk for adverse reactions in breast‑fed newborns/infants, Entresto is not recommended in women who are breast‑feeding.
Fertility
There are no available data on the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on human fertility. No impairment of fertility was demonstrated in studies with it in male and female rats (see section 5.3).
Sacubitril/valsartan has a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. When driving vehicles or operating machines it should be taken into account that occasionally dizziness or fatigue may occur.
Summary of the safety profile
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in adults during treatment with sacubitril/valsartan were hypotension (17.6%), hyperkalaemia (11.6%) and renal impairment (10.1%) (see section 4.4). Angioedema was reported in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan (0.5%) (see description of selected adverse reactions).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions are ranked by System organ class and then by frequency with the most frequent first, using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000); very rare (<1/10 000); not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are ranked in order of decreasing seriousness.
The following table lists the adverse reactions observed during clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, categorized by system organ class and frequency. The frequency categories are defined as follows: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), and very rare (<1/10,000), not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data).
Table 2 List of adverse reactions
System organ class
Preferred term
Frequency category
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anaemia
Common
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyperkalaemia*
Very common
Hypokalaemia
Common
Hypoglycaemia
Common
Hyponatraemia
Uncommon
Psychiatric disorders
Hallucinations**
Rare
Sleep disorders
Rare
Paranoia
Very rare
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness
Common
Headache
Common
Syncope
Common
Dizziness postural
Uncommon
Myoclonus
Not known
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Vertigo
Common
Vascular disorders
Hypotension*
Very common
Orthostatic hypotension
Common
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough
Common
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhoea
Common
Nausea
Common
Gastritis
Common
Intestinal angioedema
Very rare
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus
Uncommon
Rash
Uncommon
Angioedema*
Uncommon
Renal and urinary disorders
Renal impairment*
Very common
Renal failure (renal failure, acute renal failure)
Common
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue
Common
Asthenia
Common
*See description of selected adverse reactions.
**Including auditory and visual hallucinations
Description of selected adverse reactions
Angioedema
Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan. In PARADIGM-HF, angioedema was reported in 0.5% of patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan, compared with 0.2% of patients treated with enalapril. A higher incidence of angioedema was observed in Black patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan (2.4%) and enalapril (0.5%) (see section 4.4).
Hyperkalaemia and serum potassium
In PARADIGM‑HF, hyperkalaemia and serum potassium concentrations >5.4 mmol/l were reported in 11.6% and 19.7% of sacubitril/valsartan-treated patients and 14.0% and 21.1% of enalapril-treated patients, respectively.
Blood pressure
In PARADIGM‑HF, hypotension and clinically relevant low systolic blood pressure (<90 mmHg and decrease from baseline of >20 mmHg) were reported in 17.6% and 4.76% of sacubitril/valsartan-treated patients compared with 11.9% and 2.67% of enalapril-treated patients, respectively.
Renal impairment
In PARADIGM‑HF, renal impairment was reported in 10.1% of sacubitril/valsartan-treated patients and 11.5% of enalapril-treated patients.
Paediatric population
In the PANORAMA-HF study, the safety of sacubitril/valsartan was assessed in a randomised, active‑controlled, 52‑week study of 375 paediatric heart failure (HF) patients aged 1 month to <18 years compared to enalapril. The 215 patients who rolled over into the long-term open-label extension study (PANORAMA-HF OLE) were treated for a median of 2.5 years, for up to 4.5 years. The safety profile observed in both studies was similar to that observed in adult patients. Safety data in patients aged 1 month to <1 year was limited.
Limited safety data are available in paediatric patients with moderate hepatic impairment or moderate to severe renal impairment.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Limited data are available with regard to overdose in humans. A single dose of 583 mg sacubitril/617 mg valsartan and multiple doses of 437 mg sacubitril/463 mg valsartan (14 days) were studied in healthy adult volunteers and were well tolerated.
Hypotension is the most likely symptom of overdose due to the blood pressure lowering effects of sacubitril/valsartan. Symptomatic treatment should be provided.
The medicinal product is unlikely to be removed by haemodialysis due to high protein binding (see section 5.2).
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Entresto 97 mg/103 mg film-coated tablets. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
We use essential cookies to make the site work. We would also like to set optional cookies to understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept. See our cookie policy and privacy policy.