Entresto. Would appreciate any discussion, pros, cons.

Hiya - Are you just now starting Entresto? Have you been recently diagnosed with HF?
I’ve been taking Entresto together with metoprolol, Xanax, spironalactone, jardiance to treat my cardiomyopathy. I’ve taken entresto for over 6yrs. During that time my EF has improved from 20-25% to 25-30%. Until recently I was on the 49/51mg dosage but it’s been cut back this week to 24/26mg as I have been having increased issues with lightheadedness, dizziness, SOB. Guess we’ll see if the heart function holds on the lower dose at my next 3 month checkup. Yeah we get tired but that’s to be expected with heart failure and the meds.

Thank you so much for your response. My Dr. suggested I start Entresto recently. I've been treating A fib for the past 8years until last year I was in an almost continuous arrythmia with Tachy up to 200, so I ended up having to have an AV Node ablation. Since then my EF has gone from 64 down to 49 and am having SOB, some dizziness and fatique. My meds are Metoprolol, Losartan and Torsemide right now. The Entresto is not affordable for me and the reviews don't sound too favorable to me. I'm torn about going that route and thought this platform may be of help for me. Quality of life is not what I'd hoped for this stage of my life.

Sorry to hear you’re having such a hard time. I have arrhythmias as well which the metoprolol is used to reduce. The Entresto replaced coreg for me. When my EF dropped below 30% they put in a ICD and started Xanax to help keep me calm. It’s very important to keep as relaxed as possible so I do breathing exercises to rest the heart and mind. Also, with the med cocktail I’m on I have my blood work done regularly to monitor my levels. Very important. I’m 68yo and wasn’t expecting to be fighting HF, emphysema,& lung cancer in my golden years but hey, it’s keeping me busy in retirement as a waiting room specialist. Have you applied directly to the manufacturer of entresto for financial support? What about free samples from your heart/vascular cardiac doctor?

I’ve been on Entresto for the entirety of my battle. I take the light dose (24 mg I believe) and have had nothing but good results. My EF went up several points and I feel better all around.
The only downside is the cost. It is somewhat expensive, but make sure you sign up for the copay program through the manufacturer. It will save you money.
I’ll keep it short. Hopefully this helps.

So nice hearing from you and sharing your info. I don't believe my cardiac clinic offers free samples, but they did provide the application I can fill out to send to the manufacturer. If approved, I would at least have the opportunity to decide if it's for me. I understand it may need to be continued forever. The possible side effects sound daunting vs. improvement in the HF it seems like.

Thanks so much for our very positive comments, I'm so glad that you''ve seen some improvements and are feeling better. Your info is very helpful.
Good luck to you.

My Cardiologist switched me over from lisinipril to Entresto this past November. That was done because my ejection fraction was in the high 40’s compared to the preferred range of 55 to 70. It’s supposed to be very helpful for correcting that. But I probably won’t get tested to see how it is working for several months. I had no bad reaction to it at all. But it is a heck of a lot more expensive than lisinipril.

The manufacturer, Novartis (sp?) offers a patient assistance program if you meet their “financial needs “ test. I’m retired, applied for that program and ended up being eligible. I just received (at no cost) my first 180 day prescription in the mail. You will need to reapply annually.

Thank you!

@joyh
Entresto is a newer medication for heart failure. My heart failure doctor at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville recommended it to me many years ago. It was expensive but Norvatis (manufacturer) gave it to me free since my insurance did not cover it. Then BCBS covered it a year later.

It is specific for heat failure. My EF was going down and down the I took this and it stopped degressing. Did not go up but stopped declining. I take Carvididol along with it.

Your prescriper should have gone over side effects. Some I have talked to have more side effects that others. What I had was a decrease in pulse rate and drop in BP. It made me fill fatiqued for a week or so but improved and went away. I did have to have my ICD/Pacemaker raise my pulse pacing to 70 as my pulse rate went down into 40/50s. Also pay attention to your BP as it can reduce it also. This is good as reduces stress on your heart.

Having said all above I would not hesitate recomending the medication if your doctor recommends it. Just let them explain the side affects or do your own research and look up side affects. Some stop taking it as the side affects can be alarming BUT they do diminish and drug is worth it until they do.