Sacubitril
About
Sacubitril belongs to the group of antihypertensive medicines called neprilysin inhibitors used to treat heart failure. It is indicated to lower the risk of hospitalisation and cardiovascular death for patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should.
Sacubitril contains ‘Sacubitril’, which helps the heart to beat slower with less force and relaxes, widens the blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood to all parts of the body. Thereby, helps in treating heart failure.
You are advised to take Sacubitril for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhoea, headache, weakness, and nausea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Avoid taking Sacubitril if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sacubitril might cause dizziness and tiredness, so drive with caution. Sacubitril is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Sacubitril to prevent unpleasant side-effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Sacubitril
Medicinal Benefits
Sacubitril belongs to a group of antihypertensive medicines called neprilysin inhibitors used to treat heart failure. It is indicated to lower the risk of hospitalisation and cardiovascular death for patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Sacubitril helps the heart to beat slower with less force and relaxes, widens the blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood to all parts of the body. Thereby, helps in treating heart failure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sacubitril
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Nausea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sacubitril if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have severe liver disease or if you are taking aliskiren. Inform your doctor if you have angioedema, high blood pressure, diabetes, low blood pressure, dehydration, kidney or liver disease. Sacubitril might cause high potassium levels in the blood; therefore, regular monitoring of potassium levels is advised. Avoid taking Sacubitril if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sacubitril might cause dizziness and tiredness, so drive with caution. Sacubitril is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Sacubitril to prevent unpleasant side-effects. Rise slowly from lying/sitting position as Sacubitril may cause dizziness (postural hypotension).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Sacubitril may interact with antihypertensive (aliskiren, spironolactone), anti-arrhythmic (sotalol), pain killer (aspirin), lipid-lowering agent (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin), anti-diabetic (insulin glargine, insulin detemir), blood thinner (heparin).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have hypotension (low blood pressure), diabetes, angioedema, hyperkalemia (high potassium level in the blood), kidney or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Sacubitril to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeSacubitril is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe alternate medicine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid taking Sacubitril if you are breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe alternate medicine.
Driving
cautionSacubitril may cause dizziness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Sacubitril should not be used in patients with severe liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Sacubitril should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeSacubitril is not recommended for children as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- You are advised to consume low salt and low-fat diet.
- Regular exercise is also recommended to complement treatment with Sacubitril.
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise.
- Managing stress with meditation, yoga, and massage would also be helpfull.
- Avoid foods rich in fat.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should. Conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, congenital heart defect, diabetes, overactive/underactive thyroid, or high blood pressure make the heart too weak to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, swollen legs, and fatigue. People with disease conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, anaemia, emphysema, and behavioural conditions like smoking and being overweight are at an increased risk of developing heart failure.
FAQs
Sacubitril helps the heart to beat slower with less force and relaxes, widens the blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood to all parts of the body. Thereby, helps in treating heart failure.
Do not stop taking Sacubitril without consulting your doctor. Continue taking Sacubitril for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Sacubitril.
Postural hypotension could be a side-effect of Sacubitril. Postural hypotension is a sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking. Instead, lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better. People taking Sacubitril are advised to regularly monitor their blood pressure levels to avoid such unpleasant events.
Talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or salt substitutes along with Sacubitril as it might cause an increase in serum potassium and serum creatinine levels.
Diarrhoea could be a side-effect of Sacubitril. Eat non-spicy food and drink plenty of fluids if you experience diarrhoea. If you have severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in stools, consult your doctor.
