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DiscussionMy Dr wants to switch me to a new medication - Entresto
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Apr 8, 2024 | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I am a 72 year old male and have a Ef of 25 diagnosed as heart..."
My sister had issues with her heart for the first time in her life (she is 72 years old) due to medication that was used to treat a fungal lung infection she developed while in hospital. The cardiologist prescribed Entresto and then also prescribed Farxiga. When my sister realized that Farxiga is a medication for DIABETES (which my sister does NOT have), she asked why he was prescribing it for her. His answer was that one of the possible side effects of Entresto is a rise in glucose levels, so doctors prescribe Farxiga to counteract that possible effect. My sister refused to take Farxiga unless and until there was a rise in her glucose levels. (In other words, just as it was possible she MIGHT incur increased glucose levels, it was possible that she MIGHT NOT incur high levels.)
By the way, Entresto has other possible side effects: It can also cause HYPOtension (low blood pressure) and can also cause high Potassium levels (high potassium levels can adversely affect your kidneys). You should discuss all of this with your doctor and ask her to please explain why she wants to make such radical changes. (JUST A NOTE: I suggest to anyone who is on multiple medications that they go to the DRUGS dot com (.com) website and run the "Drug Interaction Checker". You input the names of medications you are taking and it will check interactions with multiple drugs, vaccines, supplements, alcohol, food and diseases. I do that any time my doctor wants to add a new medication. It's important because not only can prescription drugs interact with other prescription drugs, but they can also interact with supplements, food, etc.)
I’m not a dr. But on meds for heart failure etc. so I understand your concern. I can only suggest you talk to a Pharmacist about these medications. That’s my go to. It may be helpful to you. Good luck.