Vericiguat
Indications
Vericiguat is used in adults with long-term (chronic) heart failure in which the heart pumps weakly (reduced ejection fraction), especially after a recent worsening that needed hospital care or water tablets given into a vein. It is added to other standard heart failure medicines to lower the risk of going back into hospital or dying from heart problems. It is started by a heart specialist.
How It Works
Vericiguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator. It boosts a natural signalling pathway (nitric oxide and cyclic GMP) that relaxes blood vessels and supports the heart muscle, which is weakened in heart failure.
Dosage and Administration
As prescribed by the heart specialist. Treatment usually starts at 2.5 mg once a day, and the doctor doubles the dose about every 2 weeks, as tolerated, to the target of 10 mg once a day, depending on blood pressure. Take it with food at about the same time each day. If you cannot swallow the tablet, it can be crushed and mixed with a little water just before taking. Do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor.
Interactions
Do not take with Riociguat or any other sGC stimulator. Use with medicines for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil is not recommended, as blood pressure can fall too low. Long-acting nitrates (such as Isosorbide Mononitrate) and other blood pressure medicines can add to the blood pressure lowering effect; your doctor will monitor this.
Contraindications
Allergy to vericiguat or any ingredient; use with Riociguat or another sGC stimulator; and pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common: low blood pressure (dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint, especially on standing), anaemia (low haemoglobin, which may cause tiredness), indigestion and nausea.
Get urgent medical help if you faint, have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden weight gain or worsening swelling of the legs, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Vericiguat may harm an unborn baby and must not be used in pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting, use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after stopping, and tell the doctor at once if pregnancy occurs. Do not breastfeed while taking it.
Precautions and Warnings
Your blood pressure will be checked before and during treatment. Stand up slowly and sit down if you feel dizzy. Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney or liver disease, as there is little experience in these groups. It is not for children. Keep taking your other heart failure medicines unless told otherwise, and weigh yourself regularly to watch for fluid build-up.
Overdose
Too much can cause a large fall in blood pressure. Lie down with legs raised and get medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (heart failure medicine).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Vericiguat