Entresto

Yup.

by DampDog - 2017-03-22 11:19:04

I was started on Entresto at the end of July last year, I was initially on 24/26 and gradually tirated up to the full 97/103 dose. My blood presure was pretty low to begin with. I found that on the maximum dose my blood pressure dropped to around 90/55. They did leave me for a couple of weeks to see if my blood pressure recovered but ended up reducing the dose to 49/51. Which is likely where I will stay. Other than the low blood pressure, as of yet I've had no other issues. Even at the lower dose, my cardiologist thinks it's going to be better for me in the long term than Ramipril, that I had been taking.

I'm in the same boat, I had a CRT-D implanted March last year for heart failure. 

Yup

by Kate1924 - 2017-03-22 11:50:00

Do you feel any better?  More stamina, less fatigue, less shortness of breath?

Feel better?

by DampDog - 2017-03-23 06:19:44

"Do you feel any better?  More stamina, less fatigue, less shortness of breath?"

Short answer is no. Though as I understand it, it's main function is supposed to be about slowing the progression of heart failure, so I wasn't expecting to feel better as such.

Entresto

by Cabg Patch - 2017-03-23 15:26:14

When Entresto first came on the market in the US I was started on it as I was declining. Immediately experienced AngioEdema (Swelling of face lips and throat) and had to stop after just a couple doses. And the big claim is that it will, reduce effects of CHF. That being said, I know a number of people on it and they haven't seen any benefits. This drug was highly touted as a game changer, however, If you look at the research you quickly realize once again we have a miracle drug, but only for a very select few.

I would strongly encourage you to try it, but temper your expectations...good luck

Entresto

by Kate1924 - 2017-03-24 11:56:17

Thank you DampDog and Cabg Patch for your responses.  I have now taken my first dose.  I had read about it last summer, but since my cardiologist hasn't even mentioned it, I figured it wasn't something that would benefit me.  But in February when I had a device change, my EP had asked a heart failure specialist in the group to talk with me.  And it was he who wanted me to try it.  Of course I wanted to do anything I could to prolong my heart life, so I'm in hopes that it will help.  I guess time will tell.  Our lives are in God's hands anyway.

ENTRESTO

by BOBJ - 2017-03-29 14:43:33

I made it throught the start up dose but then had a rash. Seems this med can cause psoriasis to flare.

During the two weeks I was on the starter dose I did seem to feel some better a day or two from stopping.

This was before receiving my crt-d. So maybe that is why I noticed a difference.

Entresto

by OzHeart - 2017-05-16 07:49:05

Hi Guys & Girls,  I've just found & joined this forum and thought I'd add my "two bobs' worth" (my thoughts).  I'm relatively new to Entresto (49/51), since end March 2017, but I've already seen a fair amount of improvement, primarily in a considerable reduction/improvement in my shortness of breath, less fatigue & more stamina (Kate1924). My BP is still very low (around 88/59) but my EF (Ejection Fraction) is improving, (now around 30%, from a low of 23%). It was a rough start, with several nasty side effects for a couple of weeks, but no angioedema (Cabg Patch).  Further, (for BOBJ) I have had psoriasis for many years, but Entresto has not made it any worse, and no other rashes have developed.

My stamina was really improved by an iron injection (1000mL "Ferinject"), in May 2016.  It took about 7 days to really take effect, and wow, what a difference!  My ferritin level had been 31, but should have been up to 320.  My iron levels are still within tolerance, I believe.

For any interested gentlemen, I am also extremely happy to report that Entresto appears to have helped my ED, which other drugs has only made worse!!!  :-)  If this continues/proves to be true, then it is a very positive side-effect indeed.  Can anyone else confirm, or deny, this?

I also have a CRT-D, since July 2016; and HF since circa 2009.

Stay healthy & enjoy every day.  O.H.

Entresto on PBS (in Australia)

by OzHeart - 2017-05-25 09:06:34

For anyone who may be interested, I have it from a reliable source that Entresto will be added to the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), in Australia, with effect from 1 June 2017.

That means we'll only have to pay $37.80 per month rather than the current $225.00 per month, for 60 tablets (at 2 per day)!!!   O.H.

Entresto

by DAVID H - 2018-04-08 21:43:11

I come equipped with a Medtronic VIVA PM/ICD.  I've been on the Entresto 24/26 dose for 6 weeks now...........not sure of its benefits in regards to exercise ability yet. Blood draws all normal & blood pressure generally remains in the 105/60 area.  Other issues have crept into my exercise regime that has created pain.  Prior to my Entresto use (I was using lisinopril w/carvedilol), I'd do 4 to 6 miles walking/treadmilling along with 1/2 hour on a recumbent bike every day.  After a few months of the recumbent bike use, my right knee started barking its complaint (arthritis), and my left foots' big toe area is not happy!  I wear 14 EEEE Filas with memory foam inserts & they help. I'm a 180 pound 6 foot tall furosemide user.  I now do 3 miles on treadmill/walking track along with 30 minutes on a rowing machine. I'll be seeing a podiatrist later this week

Stopping Entresto

by DAVID H - 2018-04-11 21:57:22

After experiencing a couple bouts of he-man dizziness along with a few lesser bouts, along with some BP readings around 88/56 along with edema issues with my right leg (I'm a furosemide user) along with tiredness....................I'm tossing Entresto.  I had none of these issues prior to Entresto when I was a Lisinopril (10mg 1X daily) user.  BUT..................... I understand the Modus Operandi of Rx drug prescribing, which is the Doc saying, "Here! Take this, and let's see what happens!"