Generic Sacubitril/Valsartan 49/51mg is a combination heart failure medicine that brings together a neprilysin inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker. It is used in adults with chronic heart failure to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization related to the condition.
Sacubitril/Valsartan 49/51mg tablets contain two active substances, sacubitril and valsartan, combined in a single tablet. Together, they belong to a medicine class known as angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs).
This combination is used in the ongoing management of chronic heart failure, typically alongside other heart failure medicines. It is usually prescribed as part of a longer-term treatment plan rather than for short-term or occasional use.
The 49/51mg strength is commonly used as a starting dose for adults new to this medicine, or as an intermediate step for those being gradually adjusted toward a higher maintenance dose.
Sacubitril/Valsartan 49/51mg may be prescribed to:
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with chronic heart failure
Reduce the risk of hospitalization related to heart failure
Support the ongoing management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, alongside other prescribed heart failure treatments
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual heart function and overall health.
Sacubitril/Valsartan works through two combined actions. Sacubitril blocks an enzyme called neprilysin, which normally breaks down certain natural hormones that help relax blood vessels and reduce strain on the heart; blocking this enzyme allows these hormones to remain active for longer. Valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, works separately to relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart by blocking the effects of a hormone that would otherwise narrow them.
Together, these actions can ease the amount of work the heart has to do. Some patients may notice improvement in symptoms over the following weeks, although the main benefit of this medicine is in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk rather than providing immediate symptom relief.
Take Sacubitril/Valsartan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Usually taken twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart
Can be taken with or without food
Swallow the tablet whole with water
Your doctor may gradually increase your dose over several weeks depending on how well you tolerate treatment
Do not stop or change your dose without consulting your doctor, even if you feel your symptoms have improved
If you are switching from an ACE inhibitor, your doctor will advise on the required waiting period before starting this medicine, as taking both together is not appropriate
If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled time and continue as normal — do not take an extra dose to make up for the one missed.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use before starting this medicine.
Caution or closer monitoring may be needed if you have:
Kidney problems, including moderate to severe impairment
Liver problems, particularly severe impairment
Low blood pressure or a tendency toward low blood pressure
A history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
Diabetes, particularly if taking certain other blood pressure medicines
This medicine must not be taken together with an ACE inhibitor, and a waiting period is required when switching between the two. It is generally not recommended alongside other angiotensin receptor blockers, and combination with aliskiren is not advised in people with diabetes or kidney impairment. Because interactions can also involve potassium-affecting medicines and certain pain relievers, always check possible interactions with a doctor or pharmacist before starting or combining treatments.
Sacubitril/Valsartan is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters, as it may cause harm to the developing baby. Anyone who could become pregnant should discuss contraception with their doctor while taking this medicine, and treatment should be stopped promptly if pregnancy is confirmed or suspected.
This medicine is generally not recommended during breastfeeding, as it is not known whether it passes into human breast milk. Recommendations may vary, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Like all medicines, Sacubitril/Valsartan can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects include:
Low blood pressure (which may cause dizziness or lightheadedness)
Raised potassium levels in the blood
Reduced kidney function
Cough
Dizziness or vertigo
Tiredness or weakness
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or symptoms of very low blood pressure such as fainting, as these may indicate a serious reaction requiring urgent care.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Sacubitril/Valsartan according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep in the original packaging
Protect from moisture
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
It is used in adults with chronic heart failure to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure-related hospitalization.
Some benefits on heart function and symptoms may be noticed within the first few weeks, though the medicine's main long-term benefit relates to ongoing cardiovascular risk reduction rather than immediate relief.
Yes, it can be taken with or without food.
It is generally taken twice daily, roughly 12 hours apart, so many people take it in the morning and evening.
Generic Sacubitril/Valsartan contains the same active ingredients in the same strengths and is expected to work the same way, though appearance and inactive ingredients may differ between manufacturers.
No. This medicine is intended for long-term, ongoing management of heart failure, and treatment should not be stopped or adjusted without medical advice, even if symptoms improve.
No. Taking this medicine together with an ACE inhibitor is not permitted due to an increased risk of serious swelling reactions. A waiting period is required when switching between the two, as directed by a doctor.
