Getting off medication like forxiga, eplerenon, bisoprolol, entresto

[dg2024]

I wanted to ask the community if anyone has recovered from HF well enough to actually get off medication such as entresto, forxiga, eplerenon, bisoprolol. Or are these typically life long drug?I know entresto is expensive but the patent runs out i think at the end of this year. I'm not asking because of cost, just because I want to one day get off these medications.

[Jackabee]

we are, of course all different. My EF improved from 30 to 60 on Entresto, bisoprolol and other meds. An EF of 60 is considered normal. However, the consultant made it very clear that I should stay supported on the medication for life.

[dg2024 in reply to Jackabee]

Wow. 30 to 60 is a transformation. Well done. What timescale was that change if you don't mind me asking? So you're on preventative medication now?

[Jackabee in reply to dg2024]

It was very fast, within a year. I am on Entresto, Clopidogrel, Spironolactone, Bisoprolol, Lanzoprozole and Atorvastatin as protective measures. It took a good three years to get used to the meds but now I feel well. I never needed any meds in previous years and was very healthy and active ( ballet, trapeze, running, Pilates, yoga, swimming) I don’t smoke or drink and have never done. I am 72

[dg2024 in reply to Jackabee]

And if I may ask, what was the original issue. We have quite a bit in common. I too am and was very active. Squash, diving and fitness classes. Myocarditis was a shock though. I'm 52. I can currently at least no longer dive. The doctors have not necessarily ruled out diving again one day.

[Dryadwarf]

Hi, I suspect it will depend very much on a case by case basis and your cardiologist weighing up the benefits of a course of action. For me I did come off Bisoprolol once my EF had recovered sufficiently, approx 4 months post heart attack However my resting heart rate was in the low 40s so to avoid future complications my cardiologist decided it was better to stop taking Bisoprolol given my HF had recovered somewhat.

I am sure others will have different stories. Taking all the medication is a worry, but I have come to terms with it now as it is helping reduce the risk of future issues.

[Jackabee in reply to Dryadwarf]

I am sure others’ stories are different and I hated being on the meds but I had a word with myself and now just get on with it.

[Blackknight57]

coming off meds will on many cases your body will return to its normal levels. Most heart meds are life long.

[Caleb54]

Hi. The cardiologist stopped my Bisoporil last November after I had taken it for just over a year. Also only took Prasugrel for 12 months. So it is possible your medication may reduce.

[AmandaLouise77]

It's different for all of us, my HF was caused by AF. Now 12 months post ablation I'm off bisoprolol and anti coagulants, came off digoxin and dapa straight after ablation and NSR returned. I keep the former two in my handbag in case I have AF again.

[Eewee]

I am thinking the same thing as my cardiologist has said that the changes in my heart function brought about by these medications are permanent. I would rather like to stop taking them as well.

[HeartyJames]

If you stop the meds, its likely to revert back to what it was....

[Sheffield55]

Getting off medication will make your heart struggle to function. What you can do is reduce dosage of the side effects are affecting your quality of life. Please do NOT stop taking your medication it can be fatal.

[dg2024]

If course I won't stop. Only under my cardiologist's guidance. I'm just asking so I know what to expect from those who may have recovered. I really am not keen being on (expensive) medication for the rest of my life. Everytime you take the tablets you're reminded of your illness.

[DaphnesMum]

from my discussion with Cardiac Nurse the drugs all individuals support the heart by relieving the pressure, while the heart muscle may recover it is individually whether the heart recovers fo the drugs effectively improve your symptoms and the heart management. So for some stopping drugs means the symptoms return including the reduction in EF

[beno5 in reply to DaphnesMum]

Hi about 2 years ago was told i had atrial flutter.medication was bisoprol 5 g and apixaban 5g twice day.Original ecocardiogram was 43 ejection fraction.last recent one ejection fraction improved to 51 t 54.

I too would like to come of medicines too but last time bisoprol was reduced to 2.5g a day eventually went back atrial fibulation. Had cardioversion last october currently on 51 rhr.i do walking go gym train about 4 times a week.next appointment with cardiologist is in may i somehow think i will never come of them.

[dg2024 in reply to beno5]

Your ef is normal again which is excellent. I have a weakened heart from myocarditis. A shame because I am a life long sportsman. I'm hoping entresto will set me right. My numbers are similar to you. But I'm at low 40s now for my ef.

[irishwife93]

dg2024 completely understand the pills remind you of your condition, it’s not nice to have that hanging over you! My husband experienced this taking 11 pills a day as a 39 year old really affected him mentally at first but now he takes the pills and completely forgets about his condition most days, it takes time but you might get there after a few months if this is a new diagnosis. Not enough is done to support people with the psychological impact of being on lifelong medication.

[Clajul]

I had arrythmia after an aortic valve replacement snd was given bisoprolol and apixaban.I had spent miserable molths and could not cope with bisoprolol,the level of tiredness and low energy was incredible.They have not detected the arrythmia so I could leave bisoprolol,it has been a nightmare and I never got used to it.

[scranny-26]

i was put on entresto,spironolactone,apixiban,and isosorbic monotrate by the heart failure nurses almost a year ago and i felt wonderful but i am worried about my kidney function it was 35%when i first saw them then it went to 30% then 27% and now with my last blood test it is 26% i am worried because i dont want to have to go on dyalisis .when i read the entresto leaflet it says do not take if you have kidney failure and now i dont know what to do about it