Entresto is a prescription pill that combines two active ingredients-sacubitril and valsartan-to treat certain heart conditions. It belongs to the “Heart & Blood Pressure” therapeutic category and is approved for use in Hong Kong by the Department of Health, based on approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The medication is supplied as a 97 mg/103 mg fixed-dose combination tablet.
Entresto targets two complementary pathways that influence blood pressure and heart-failure progression:
Sacubitril is a neprilysin inhibitor. By blocking the enzyme neprilysin, it prevents the breakdown of natriuretic peptides, bradykinin, and other vasoactive substances. Higher levels of these peptides promote vasodilation, natriuresis (salt excretion), and inhibition of cardiac remodeling.
Valsartan is an angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) receptor blocker (ARB). It stops angiotensin II from binding to AT₁ receptors, reducing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and sympathetic activation.
Together, the combination lowers blood pressure, reduces strain on the heart, and slows the harmful structural changes that occur in chronic heart failure.
Entresto is approved in Hong Kong for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Clinical studies have shown that the medication reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and heart-failure-related hospitalisation when added to standard therapy. It is intended for adults who have already received stable doses of other heart-failure medicines, such as beta-blockers and diuretics.
Evidence from clinical trials has explored the use of sacubitril/valsartan for hypertension and for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). These indications are not approved by regulatory agencies in Hong Kong.
Off-label use requires medical supervision and an individualized risk assessment.
This article provides educational information about Entresto and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including use for unapproved indications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The content is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical recommendations. Always consult a physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.
Entresto may be combined with other antihypertensive agents such as beta-blockers or diuretics, but the overall regimen should be tailored by a healthcare professional to avoid excessive blood-pressure reduction.
The 97 mg/103 mg tablet typically bears the imprint “97/103 ENT.” Imprint details can vary slightly by manufacturer, so patients should verify the appearance against the pharmacy label.
Yes. Entresto has received authorization from the Hong Kong Department of Health, based on its prior approvals by the FDA and EMA for heart-failure treatment.
Unlike ACE-inhibitors, Entresto combines a neprilysin inhibitor with an ARB, providing both vasodilatory peptide enhancement and angiotensin II blockade, which together improve outcomes in HFrEF.
Entresto can increase serum potassium and may modestly raise creatinine levels. Regular monitoring of these labs is recommended to detect any clinically relevant changes.
Yes. Carry the medication in its original labelled container, accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note if requested. Keep it in hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes.
A mild cough is a common side effect. If it persists or worsens, discuss the symptom with your clinician, who may adjust the therapy or provide symptomatic relief.
As of the current regulatory status, a generic sacubitril/valsartan combination is not widely marketed in Hong Kong; patients typically receive the branded product.
The tablet’s stability is maintained as long as it remains in the original container, tightly sealed, and stored at room temperature. Discard any tablets that are discolored, cracked, or past the expiration date.
