My Dr wants to switch me to a new medication - Entresto

Hi @momma78, welcome to Connect.
I'm tagging all the cardiomyopathy members on this message to see if they have thoughts or experiences with Entresto (Sacubitril And Valsartan).

Paging @cynaburst @lynnkay1956 @PatMattos @Sensation @ronaldpetrovich @barbararickard @FrancineFafard @rmcmillan @lepadelford @catiemorris @wandikarnadi @rosebud @fishinglady @Komalin @quinn Any thoughts?

There are probably not too many people who have taken it cause it was just approved by the FDA. Presumably since you are currently taking Losartan you would be able to switch for the Entresto. What reasons does your doc give for wanting you to switch? How are you feeling on your current regime? Is there some chance the new drug will improve your EF? Not sure what the answers to these questions are, but they are certainly questions to ask your doctor.

Welcome @momma78. I am not any help as I am on Sotolol. I know this is a new drug ho-pefully someone can give you some feedback

Have you gone on the Entresto? If so how has it been going? My husband's cardiologist has just suggested for him (he is on many of the same drugs you mentioned). He is also a candidate for the MBD. How has that gone for you? Do you have any restrictions? My husband is active outside and avid golfer. Thanks much for your input!

I have been on Entresto with no side effects for 4 weeks;I also take Furosemide and Coreg. I have cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure with ef of 18. Entresto is supposed to be the best thing out there, and it supposedly raises your ef. Make a list of questions to ask your cardiologist. So far I haven't noticed any change. Maybe I need to take it longer. Good luck to you.

Welcome to Connect, @jschwarz. We're so glad you've reached out to the Connect community with your questions. Here's some information from Mayo Clinic about Entresto: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sacubitril-and-valsartan-oral-route/description/drg-20150920

I’m tagging fellow members @halseydm @janicepike @PatMattos @chipmunk16666 @fr0ggie @rmcmillan @gr82balive @randypape @lisa7 who all have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD); some recently, others a while ago. You can view a few of their experiences here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-recipients/
@fr0ggie, you mentioned being on Entresto; I'm certain @jschwarz, and others in this discussion, would appreciate any insights you might have.

@jschwarz, could you tell us a bit more about your husband? Has he been diagnosed with a chronic heart condition? How is he coping currently?

Thank you for joining Connect with your suggestions and insights, @corjianne. If you wish, could you share a bit more about yourself? When were you diagnosed? With a reduced EF, what helps you cope? We look forward to getting to know you.

I don't have any experience with Entresto, so I can't offer any information about that. My ejection fraction is low as a result of damage resulting from a heart attack 5 years ago. I don't remember the exact numbers, but my last echo showed improvement. I'm not sure if it's just variations in measurements or a given plus/minus range, but it's better to me that it is the same or higher at least in my opinion! I had an ICD put in as it was a suggestion given to me by my health care providers as a precaution in avoiding future events. When I was in ICU recovering from my heart attack, I apparently went into V-tach, but if the nurses hadn't run into the room, I wouldn't know I had a problem. A little later at home, I had a stroke that landed me in the hospital, followed by another stroke while in the hospital that for a few hours rendered me without sight. To me, that was scarier than the heart attack. I've had the ICD now for a little over 4 years. Regular downloads, and in-person visits have all been showing normal function without any fires. It's just comforting knowing it's there if needed. My current meds consist of Lipitor, Bisoprolol, warfarin, baby aspirin,Keppra, and omeprazole. The Keppra was prescribed after I ended up having seizures. When the brain is impacted by strokes, the body is amazing in trying to fix/repair itself. When I lost my sight, I asked how it was that it came back, and they said the body's nerves try to fix themselves. They told me this when I first lost my sight, but whether it was to give me hope or just past experience, it did come back for me thankfully! The seizures were a surprise, but again, they said as the brain continues to rewire the nerves from the damage, it occasionally misfires when it doesn't get it quite right. Since I've been taking the Keppra, I haven't had any further seizures! My prescription combination appears to be working for me, so I'll continue doing what I'm doing. It took a few attempts to find the right mix, but this is working well for me so far. Since cardiac rehab, I've been going to the gym 3-4 times a week and my wife manages to make delicious heart-healthy food for me. I'm interested in if the new medication helps with improved EF for you! Good luck and keep us posted!

It's good to be here and read about others.
I had breast cancer about 15 years ago. A few months after I finished chemo and radiation, I had constant heart palpitations. A cardiologist performed some tests and made the diagnosis. He said my problem stemmed from the Adriamycin I had for chemo. For several years I managed with Coreg and Accupril, but my ef declined steadily. For a couple of years, my ef was 20-25; then it decreased to 18. I'm now off Accupril because you can't take it with Entresto. What helps me cope? Good question. Distraction, prayer, helping others, exercising mildly at Cardiac Rehab. Rehab is helpful because you can share your experiences with others who understand and have similar problems. I also take short naps when I'm really tired. I look forward to getting to know everyone and wish you all the best.

Hi everyone,
I just wrote that I've been on Entresto for 4 weeks with no side effects. I may be mistaken, however, and I hope you can give me some insights. For a few weeks, I've noticed pain, especially in my arms and wrists. It's especially bad today. I wonder if it could be due to Entresto. Is there any way I can figure this out? A blood test, maybe? If the pain is from Entresto, I'm really going to be stuck, because it's bad and I'll have to choose between going off it when it might help or living with the pain. I'm in my early 70's and have had slight pains in my wrists for years, but not like this.