Is there a cheaper alternative to Entresto?

Key takeaways

• Entresto is currently the only version of heart failure medication available, making it more costly as no generic option is available.
• The active ingredients in Entresto (sacubitril and valsartan) are likely better at treating a specific type of heart failure called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), though other medications were successfully used before Entresto received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
• Alternative generic medications that doctors prescribe for heart failure include enalapril, valsartan, and carvedilol, which work in different ways to improve heart health.

Overview

Entresto is a combination drug containing the active ingredients sacubitril and valsartan. Doctors often prescribe this oral tablet to help treat long-term or chronic heart failure.

Currently, no generic version of Entresto is available. A generic drug contains the same active ingredients as a brand-name medication, but is often less expensive.

Since Entresto is the only version available currently, taking this drug can be expensive and cost you more.

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What is Entresto, and how does it work?

Entresto is a type of heart failure medication that is a part of the group of medications called angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs).

ARNIs like Entresto contain two active ingredients — sacubitril and valsartan. These drugs are effective in treating HFrEF.

The ejection fraction is the amount of blood your heart pushes out of the ventricle every time it pumps. The more blood your heart pumps out, the healthier it is. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an ejection fraction of 40% or less is evidence of HFrEF.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition where your ventricles do not relax fully and become stiff, meaning insufficient blood flows into them. In this type of heart failure, your ejection fraction may be normal or nearly normal.

ARNIs like Entresto relax your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. Over time, they can help improve ejection fraction. Doctors may also prescribe Entresto in some cases to treat HFpEF.

Are there any Entresto alternatives?

The FDA has approved a generic form of Entresto, but it’s not commercially available yet. It’s still unclear when the generic version will be available.

However, before Entresto received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), healthcare professionals were successful in treating this type of heart failure with other types of medication. These include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers.

Generic medications will generally be cheaper than branded ones like Entresto. Here are some alternative generic medications prescribed to treat heart failure.

• Enalapril: This ACE inhibitor medication is available as the generic enalapril and as the brand name Vasotec. These medications work by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers pressure and increases blood supply.
• Valsartan: This is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that is available as generic valsartan and as the brand name Diovan. To treat heart failure, it works by blocking the substance your body naturally produces to tighten blood vessels. This relaxes your blood vessels and increases blood flow.
• Carvedilol: Carvedilol is a generic beta-blocker medication also available under the brand name Coreg. This drug works to help treat heart failure by slowing your heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump more blood around your body.

Do alternatives work in the same way?

The way these medications work will vary. They act to reduce blood pressure or improve ventricular output in a variety of ways. For example, beta-blockers reduce your heart rate, while ACE inhibitors relax your blood vessels.

Most heart failure treatment medications have not been studied in comparison to Entresto.

This does not mean they will be less effective for you than Entresto, but the effects can differ depending on your health condition.

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How to save on prescription medications

Here are some ways you may be able to save on your prescriptions:

• get to know your insurance plan
• look into prescription assistance programs
• look into prescription coupons and discount cards, like the Optum Perks Discount Card
• check for discounts from the drug manufacturer

Taking care of yourself and your heart

Small lifestyle changes can have a huge positive effect on your heart health. Working to include some of the following modifications will positively support your quality of life, even with a heart failure diagnosis.

• keeping a check on your weight
• getting regular physical activity
• quitting smoking if you smoke
• getting enough sleep
• managing stress
• drinking plenty of water
• avoiding consuming alcohol
• eating a heart-healthy diet
• monitoring your blood pressure

Summary

Entresto is a type of combination medication effective for treating heart failure that is the result of a reduction in your ejection fraction.

If Entresto is too expensive, there may be suitable alternatives that a doctor or healthcare professional can recommend.

Lifestyle changes, including getting regular physical activity and following a heart-healthy diet, can help improve your heart health.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.