Estrena

[malcolmwilliams]

My cardiologist is looking starting me on a drug called estrena for heart failure. Any body know anything about this drug

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I am pretty sure the drug you are referring to is Entresto? The generic name is sacubitril-valsartan. It contains 2 medications - sacubitril and valsartan. Sacubitril belongs to a class of drugs called neprilysin inhibitors and valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

It us used to treat heart failure improving both the quality of life and extending it. Usually it is started at a low dose and the dose build up over weeks/months to limit any side effects.

There are a number of forum members on this drug and I imagine some will come by with their experiences shortly.

[malcolmwilliams in reply to MichaelJH]

Should be entresto

[PMRPete]

I think you may have the wrong drug!!

"Estrena is a female sex hormone that regulates many functions in the female organism. This medicine is currently available under the form of tablets in two concentrations - 1 mg and 2 mg, respectively.

"

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to PMRPete]

Are you thinking of Estrogen?

[PMRPete in reply to MichaelJH]

sdrugs.com/?c=drug&s=estrena

[malcolmwilliams in reply to PMRPete]

Should be entresto

[P0rtnahapp1e]

I’ve been on Entresto for almost two years, and gradually built up to the highest dose. I have had no unplanned hospital visits since starting on it, and my quality of life has improved considerably. I can walk further, I’ve travelled extensively since starting it, and the only side effect I have is daily diarrhoea, which is a big improvement on my previous condition.

My medication has changed and adjusted so much in the past three years that any one, or combination of same could have caused my side effect, but it started around the time I began Entresto, so it’s a safe bet that it’s the culprit. Having said that, I wouldn’t stop taking it. Medication affects different people in different ways. Some people have no side effects whatsoever with Entresto and to some they are intolerable.

Good luck with it.

[Grayjay]

Yes I'm sure it will be Entresto. I take it and am on the middle strength as from last week. As MJH says, you move the dosage up.Apparently it's a very expensive drug so according to my Cardiologist you have to be one of the chosen few to get it. Hope it works for you.

[malcolmwilliams in reply to Grayjay]

Many thanks for your reply. Just worried by the thought of diarrhea. I also presently taking a cocktail of drugs

[Grayjay]

I had sickness and the runs for 1 day (not too severe) when I changed to the higher dose. It's a case of getting used to it I think. I'm waiting to see about having an ICD, going on Tuesday,the sooner the better, so they may adjust the dose again after having it put in.

I too am on loads of medication, I know the side effects get us down but what else is there. As the saying goes "Keep taking the tablets".

Good luck.

[malcolmwilliams]

I have a ICD d implant and it certainly gave me more confidence once I got used to it

[Invermill]

I’ve been on Entresto (highest dose) for over two years now with no obvious side effects. Good luck.

[purplerain58]

My husband was on it for a few days and the effects were fairly devastating. So much so his nurse told him to stop taking it. I am sure its good for some and from what i have read younger people. I have since read reviews from users (not sure where I found them now) and a lot of them gave a very low score with comments that echoed my husbands experience. I don't thinks you should be put off trying something that may help your problem, but do research and ask questions, so you can go forward with eyes open! What is the advantage of the drug over others for me? will it give better quality of life. Longevity. ( trials show extra 4 years for patients I believe, but ate these years quality?)