Vericiguat
About
Vericiguat belongs to the class of medications called soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. It is used to reduce the risk of death and the need for hospitalization in adults with heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should.
Vericiguat contains Vericiguat, which works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.
Use Vericiguat exactly as prescribed by the healthcare professional. Sometimes, Vericiguat may cause hypotension, anaemia, dizziness and light-headedness. Most of these side effects are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Before taking Vericiguat, inform your doctor about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Vericiguat can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant while undergoing therapy and for one month after the treatment. Using effective contraceptive methods is recommended while on therapy with Vericiguat. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Uses of Vericiguat
Medicinal Benefits
Vericiguat contains Vericiguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator. It is primarily used in adults who have symptoms of chronic (long-term) heart failure, have recently been hospitalized or require intravenous (IV) medications, and have an ejection fraction (amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat of less than 45 per cent) to reduce the risk of death and the need to be hospitalized. Vericiguat works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vericiguat
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Anaemia (low red blood cells)
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Vericiguat, let your doctor know about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Do not use Vericiguat and any medication for erectile dysfunction (male impotence) simultaneously. Please check with your doctor before using Vericiguat if you have/had anaemia, low blood pressure, or any severe medical illness. Before starting Vericiguat, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out potential adverse effects or interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Vericiguat may interact with medicines used for erectile dysfunction (e.g. avanafil, sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil) and certain medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (e.g. riociguat)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have/had anaemia (low red blood cells), low blood pressure, and liver or kidney impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIntake of alcohol should be avoided with Vericiguat.
Pregnancy
unsafeVericiguat should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking Vericiguat.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed while taking this medication.
Driving
cautionVericiguat may cause dizziness. So, driving vehicles and operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionCaution is advised. Vericiguat has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Inform your doctor before using Vericiguat if you have liver problems or a history of liver conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCaution is advised. Inform your doctor before using Vericiguat if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeThe safety and effectiveness of Vericiguat in children have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a cholesterol-lowering diet.
- Consume low salt and a low-fat diet.
- Exercise regularly. It helps in maintaining proper weight and lowers cholesterol.
- Limit salt and sugar intake.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Choose healthy fats and cut down on trans fats.
- Include omega-3 fatty acids, fibre-rich food, fruits, and vegetables.
- Get active by doing physical activities such as swimming, brisk walking, or jogging. Take the stairs instead of elevators/lifts.
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
Vericiguat contains Vericiguat, which works by relaxing the blood vessels and allowing blood to flow easily. As a result, the heart can pump more efficiently and does not have to work as hard. As a result, it helps to lower the risk of death and hospitalization in people with heart failure.
No, you should not combine Vericiguat with an erectile dysfunction medicine such as sildenafil or tadalafil since it may interfere with the blood pressure-lowering action of Vericiguat.
Yes, dizziness or light-headedness is the most common side effect encountered while using Vericiguat. Please take sufficient rest. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.
Vericiguat may not be recommended for patients with hypotension (low blood pressure); inform your doctor before using Vericiguat if you have ever had hypotension.
Vericiguat may not be recommended for patients with severe anaemia (doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells); inform your doctor before using Vericiguat if you have ever had anaemia.
