Entresto

[Aljo]

Started on medium dose of Entresto about 6 weeks ago, after getting helpful comments on this site. Dose increased this week and have been feeling very unwell. Head feels tight, foggy and I'm lightheaded. BP OK in the morning but when I checked one late afternoon, it had risen to 189/85. Has anyone had the same problem, and does it just take time for the body to adjust? I am 86 years young and have HF and only 35% ejection factor. I will be speaking to my Cardiac Nurse but any advice in the meantime would be welcome.

[RufusScamp]

I have been on the highest dose for around two years, with no obvious side-effects that I can't blame on something else. After a previous year of EF 20%, it has improved to 60% after a year on Entresto. If you can tolerate it, it seems to be a wonder drug. I hope it works for you.

[Aljo in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you. I will give it a bit longer as it seems to be improving some things, eg. heart rate, ankle swelling and circulation. anyone's experience is helpful.

[am1875 in reply to Aljo]

Hi. Are you on the middle dose or were you able to increase? All the best.

[Hidden in reply to RufusScamp]

WOW. That is some improvement to your heart function. May I ask how old are you and do you point the improvement to just the Entresto? Have you noticed the improvements in yourself with lessor symptoms etc?

[RufusScamp in reply to Hidden]

I am 71. I have also had a pacemaker fitted, but the improvement did not seem to happen until I was on the Entresto. I was 18 months between echoes though, so I am not sure exactly when the improvement happened. I didn't have any bad symptoms before, so it's hard to say how much of a physical improvement I feel. Sorry to be so vague!

[Hidden in reply to RufusScamp]

Ah well thats brilliant news. I also started entresto and noticed symptoms improve within days of taking the medicine. Within a week i felt my hands warm back up and circulation improve. It is a great medicine but i also suffer from sides such as fatigue and brain fog. All the best x

[Hidden]

You should be talking to a health professional about your apparent reaction to an increased dose of Entresto, considering your elevated BP. We are all different, including an individual's medical history and that goes for reactions to medication, so others on here may not be the same as you. If your appointment with the cardio nurse is anything more than 1-2 days away I suggest you should try to speak with your GP or you could always try 111 (although I can't personally recommend that although I know others on here can) or even the BHF Heart Helpline nurse as under.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Aljo in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your comments; will be speaking today.

[Mike-tyson]

I have been on 24/26 low dose of Entresto for over a year now it has improved my EF from 30% to 43% to consultant pleased with my progress but it does make me tired & dizzy at times. But heart nurse won’t change it until I see her again on 11th Jan. so just got to stick with it. I am also on Gabapentin 400mg per day for restless leg problems