WARNING

Taking vericiguat involves certain risks, and it’s essential to be aware of them. It’s important to note that the information provided here is a brief overview, and individual responses to medication can vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized information. Here are some potential risks associated with taking vericiguat:

• Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Vericiguat can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. This risk is particularly relevant when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing.
• Anemia: Vericiguat may lead to a decrease in red blood cell count, resulting in anemia. This can contribute to fatigue and weakness.
• Renal Impairment: Vericiguat may affect kidney function, leading to an increase in serum creatinine levels. Regular monitoring of kidney function is typically recommended during treatment.
• Hyponatremia: Low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia) can occur, leading to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and muscle weakness.
• Hypokalemia: Vericiguat may cause low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heartbeats.
• Gastrointestinal Effects: Some individuals may experience digestive system-related side effects, including diarrhea and vomiting.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect associated with vericiguat.
• Edema: Swelling (edema), particularly in the ankles and legs, may occur.
• Interaction with Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with vericiguat, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
• Risk of Adverse Events: As with any medication, there is a general risk of adverse events or unexpected reactions. It’s essential to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Potential Drug Interactions: Vericiguat may interact with other medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to prevent potential drug interactions.

It’s crucial to take vericiguat exactly as prescribed and to attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your response to the medication, make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, and address any emerging concerns. If you have specific questions or concerns about the risks associated with vericiguat, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Vericiguat is a medication prescribed to treat certain cardiovascular conditions, particularly heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HFrEF occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t contract effectively, leading to a decreased ability to pump blood throughout the body. Vericiguat is typically used in combination with other heart failure medications to help improve symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some key points about how Vericiguat is used:

• Prescription: Vericiguat is available by prescription only. Your healthcare provider will determine if it is an appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
• Combination therapy: Vericiguat is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for heart failure, which may include other medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, and others.
• Dosage: The dosage of Vericiguat will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual health status and response to treatment.
• Oral medication: Vericiguat is taken orally, usually in the form of tablets. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed, and you should not stop or adjust the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
• With or without food: Vericiguat can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to be consistent with your approach. If your healthcare provider provides specific instructions regarding food intake, follow them.
• Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider will likely monitor your response to Vericiguat through regular check-ups, including assessments of your heart function and symptoms.
• Potential side effects: Like any medication, Vericiguat may cause side effects. Common side effects include low blood pressure, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. It’s important to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The use of Vericiguat during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with your healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Vericiguat, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking Vericiguat, and do not adjust the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting them. If you have specific questions or concerns about Vericiguat, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Other uses for this medicine

Vericiguat is primarily used for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and its use in other conditions may be limited. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the most current and accurate information regarding the uses of Vericiguat.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using vericiguat, consider the following:

• Inform your healthcare provider: Provide a detailed medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, current medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and any allergies you may have.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using vericiguat with your healthcare provider.
• Interactions with other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements. Vericiguat may interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Low blood pressure: Vericiguat can cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Inform your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. Adjustments to your treatment plan may be necessary.
• Kidney function: Vericiguat may affect kidney function. Regular monitoring of kidney function may be required during treatment.
• Liver function: Inform your healthcare provider about any liver conditions you may have, as vericiguat is metabolized in the liver. Monitoring liver function may be recommended.
• Avoid grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with vericiguat and should be avoided.
• Emergency situations: In case of any emergency or surgery, inform healthcare professionals that you are taking vericiguat.
• Adverse reactions: Report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your response to vericiguat and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. If you have specific concerns or questions about vericiguat, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Vericiguat. However, it’s important to maintain a balanced and heart-healthy diet. If there have been updates or changes since my last update, your healthcare provider will provide the most current information.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Vericiguat:

• Take it as soon as you remember: If you forget to take a dose of Vericiguat, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip if it’s almost time for the next dose: If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not double up: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Taking more than the prescribed amount can increase the risk of side effects.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Vericiguat, like any medication, may cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects and to promptly report any unusual or severe reactions to your healthcare provider. Common side effects of vericiguat include:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension): Vericiguat can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. It’s important to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize the risk of dizziness.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches as a side effect of vericiguat.
• Anemia: Vericiguat may lead to a decrease in red blood cell count, resulting in anemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Increased levels of serum creatinine: Vericiguat may affect kidney function, leading to an increase in serum creatinine levels. Regular monitoring of kidney function is typically recommended during treatment.
• Hyponatremia: Vericiguat may cause low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), leading to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and muscle weakness.
• Nausea: Some individuals may experience nausea as a side effect of vericiguat.
• Hypokalemia: Vericiguat may cause low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heartbeats.
• Edema: Swelling (edema) may occur, particularly in the ankles and legs.
• Hypertension: In some cases, vericiguat may cause an increase in blood pressure.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Digestive system-related side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting, may occur.

It’s important to note that the list above is not exhaustive, and individual responses to medications can vary. Additionally, more serious side effects or allergic reactions may occur in some cases.

If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking vericiguat, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance on whether to continue with the treatment, adjust the dosage, or explore alternative options. Regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are crucial to managing potential side effects and optimizing your treatment plan.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Here are some guidelines on storage, disposal, what to do in case of emergency or overdose, and additional information for vericiguat:

Storage of Vericiguat:

• Room temperature: Store vericiguat at room temperature, away from excessive heat or cold.
• Protect from light: Keep the medication in its original container and protect it from light.
• Keep out of reach of children: Store vericiguat in a location where children cannot access it.
• Avoid moisture: Keep the medication in a dry place.
• Do not transfer between containers: Do not transfer vericiguat from its original container to another container unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Disposal of Vericiguat:

• Follow local regulations: Dispose of vericiguat according to local regulations. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so.
• Ask your pharmacist: If you have unused or expired vericiguat, consult with your pharmacist about the proper disposal method.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Contact emergency services: If someone has ingested or applied too much vericiguat and is experiencing severe symptoms or if you suspect an overdose, call your local emergency number immediately.
• Poison Control Center: In the United States, you can contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on what to do in case of an overdose.
• Seek medical attention: If you or someone else has taken an excessive amount of vericiguat or if you experience severe adverse reactions, seek medical attention promptly.

What other information should I know?

• Follow healthcare provider’s instructions: Always take vericiguat exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting them.
• Regular follow-up: Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your response to vericiguat and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Inform healthcare providers: Inform all healthcare providers, including dentists and specialists, about your use of vericiguat before undergoing any medical procedures.
• Avoid certain substances: While using vericiguat, avoid substances that may interact with the medication. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbal supplements you are taking.
• Adverse reactions: Report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Stay hydrated: Ensure adequate hydration, particularly if you are experiencing side effects like diarrhea or vomiting.
• Regular monitoring: Vericiguat may require regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and other parameters. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have specific questions or concerns about vericiguat. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status and the latest medical information.