Balancing the medication.

[Battie]

Hi, my husband was diagnosed with hf In January this year. This maybe a silly question but I was wondering how long it takes to get the meds balanced. Hubby has just started entresto this week but I think he sounds a little breathless when he talks. He disagrees and says he doesn’t get breathless at all. My anxiety is through the roof and I know I’m annoying him but I can’t help it. I watch every move he makes. Any advice would really help. Thank you

[Hidden]

As some one who suffers from severe heart failure and has a tendency to say "no I'm ok" keep watching but try not to be obsessed. My wife will tell me she has noticed something and whilst often saying I'm ok I do watch myself to check.

As to balancing medicines it can take a while.

[Battie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Hopefully it will get easier.

[Alison_L]

Hi Battie. It normally takes a month or two for the body to settle down with a new drug, and it may take several months for the medics to get the dose to the correct level for your husband. The Entresto clinic should be regularly checking up on him for the first few months, so you can set your mind at rest. But if you're really worried about him, and you can persuade him (!), then he can contact the clinic in the meantime, or 111 if he starts to really struggle. xx

[Battie in reply to Alison_L]

Thank you Alison for your reply. Not easy to persuade my hubby really but I keep trying 🙄 and thank you for the information re the clinic.

[Putterguy]

Hi Battie, I’m now 4 months in since I was diagnosed. I’ve changed my meds a couple of times and like your husband I’ve changed onto Entresto Monday of this week. Monday was not a good day as I was very tired with it but as the week has progressed I’ve got better. My heart nurse has informed me that it also acts as a diuretic as well. All the diuretic tablets affect my breathing for about an hour or so then it gets easier for me. Also speaking to my heart nurse at the start she informed me that it can take upwards of 6 months to get the medication regime correct for each person as we all have different needs. I’m expecting it to take a month to get used to this change but as the week has gone on my body is starting to get used to it. Like your husband I don’t think I get breathless but my chest goes a bit tighter when I go for walks ( especially uphill)after a couple of miles but my wife always asks if I’m ok because my voice changed and she can tell the difference. As he’s new to this he maybe needs to learn what breathless can mean, different for everyone, breathless for me just means a bit harder to breath but not panting for breath. As I said my wife can tell with my voice changing. Like you she watches me like a hawk, I never get away with anything. Sorry for the long winded reply but I hope this helps as we all struggle to understand what the symptoms can be and it’s difficult to get your head around the changes needed in your lives. Best of luck

[Battie in reply to Putterguy]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Yes his voice does change and now he also has to have an iron infusion which will be at the end of may. Take care and thank you again.

[Hidden]

Hi Battie, I am have been on Entrestro for my heart failure for 2 1/2 years. It worked forme immediately with my breathing. They tried to go up but I am unable to because it made my blood pressure to low. Mine is the lowest (24-26 Mg) You didn't mention any other medicines? I sometimes wonder whether other medications interfere with it. I was put on bisoprolol (5 mg) and my pulse started to go up and down and I didn't feel myself. I have good and bad days. Ask husband to check blood pressure when you are concerned to ease your worry. Everyone is different when it comes to medications.

[Battie in reply to Hidden]

Hi, hubby is on the lowest strength also but says he hasn’t felt any different. He is also on carvediol tabs and frusemide. He checks his bp every day as the heart nurses have asked him to. We’re only a week in on the entrestro tabs so not sure if they will put the dosage up. Thank you for your reply and yes everyone is different. Kind regards and take care.

[Hidden]

Hi Battie, Checking to see how your hubby is doing on Entrestro, since it has been 6 months ago. I am unable to take carvedilol or Furosemide (has sulfur) but now taking eplerenone 25 mg with my Entrestro. It's working well. Will ask for Heart Doctor to check EF of heart and blood work in November to make sure my liver enzymes are during O.K. Hopefully no pace maker at this time. Have a Blessed Day.