Vericiguat
Introduction To Vericiguat
Vericiguat is used in the treatment of heart failure. It increases the pumping activity of the heart and relaxes the blood vessels, which further improves the blood circulation throughout the body.
Vericiguat should be taken with food regularly at a fixed time each day. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you remember to take it. The dose and duration of treatment will depend on what you are being treated for. Do not stop taking it until you have finished the complete course, even when you feel better. Lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, exercise, and not smoking may help this medicine to work better.
The most common side effects of this medicine include hypotension and anemia. Hence, rise slowly while from a sitting position or avoid driving. However, these side effects may disappear once you have got used to the medicine. If you are worried, or the symptoms do not go away, let your doctor know. Blood tests and regular monitoring of blood pressure may be required to monitor your progress and to check for side effects.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
Uses of Vericiguat
- Prevention of Heart failure
Benefits of Vericiguat
Prevention of Heart failure
Heart failure means your heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to your
lungs and the rest of your body. The most common symptoms are breathlessness,
tiredness, and swelling in your legs, ankles, abdomen and other parts of your
body. Vericiguat makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body
and is therefore an effective treatment for heart failure.
This medicine will help relieve your symptoms, making you feel better and more energetic. You should make appropriate lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and keeping active, to help this medicine be effective. Take it regularly and keep taking it even if you feel better.
Side effects of Vericiguat
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Verquvo
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
How to use Vericiguat
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Vericiguat is to be taken with food.
How Vericiguat works
Vericiguat turns on a protein (soluble guanylate cyclase) in the body. This relaxes the blood vessels and allows more blood to flow through. As a result, the heart is able to pump better and doesn't have to work as hard.
Quick tips
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly since this medicine may cause low blood pressure.
- Inform your doctor if you are anemic since Vericiguat can cause a decrease in the hemoglobin level.
- If you feel dizzy while taking this medicine, do not drive a vehicle, or operate any machinery.
- Use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Vericiguat. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms should be used during treatment and for 1 month after you stop treatment with Vericiguat.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Vericiguat if I’m pregnant?
Vericiguat is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Vericiguat if I’m breastfeeding?
Vericiguat is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Vericiguat safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Vericiguat. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Vericiguat?
It is not known whether Vericiguat alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Vericiguat if I have/had kidney diseases?
Vericiguat is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Vericiguat is recommended.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Vericiguat if I have/had liver diseases?
Vericiguat is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Vericiguat is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the recommended dosing of Vericiguat?
The recommended starting dose of Vericiguat is 2.5 mg orally once daily with food. Your doctor will double the dose approximately every 2 weeks to reach the target maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily.
Q. Can Vericiguat be taken during pregnancy?
This treatment may harm a baby developing in the womb. It is important not to conceive or father a child while you are on treatment with Vericiguat and for at least 1 month after its last dose. Talk to your doctor about effective contraception before starting the treatment.
Q. Does Vericiguat lower blood pressure?
Yes, this medicine may cause a drop in blood pressure. It most commonly occurs while taking the first dose of this medicine. Hence, you should be cautious while driving, operating any machinery, or doing any important work during the initial days of the treatment. Consult your doctor before you start taking this medication.
Q. How does Vericiguat work in heart failure?
Vericiguat works by widening the pulmonary arteries (the blood vessels that connect the heart to the lungs), making it easier for the heart to pump blood through the lungs.
Q. What are some of the symptoms of heart failure?
Symptoms of heart failure may include a fast heartbeat; shortness of breath; dizziness; feeling tired; weak; ongoing coughing or wheezing; feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; or swelling of the feet or legs.
Q. Can a change in lifestyle make a difference?
Yes, following a healthy diet and simple exercise or walking can help alleviate heart failure symptoms and improve everyday life.
Q. What is a heart-healthy diet?
A heart-healthy diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry, fish, nuts, and legumes. This diet limits saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugar- sweetened beverages.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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