Key takeaways

  • Entresto, a prescription medication for heart failure, can cause side effects ranging from mild issues like dizziness and cough to more severe problems, such as high potassium levels and kidney problems.
  • It’s important to be aware of the risk of fetal harm if Entresto is taken during pregnancy. If you’re able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about birth control options.
  • Regular monitoring by your doctor, along with promptly reporting any symptoms, can help manage side effects. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions about Entresto with your doctor.

Entresto is used to:

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Entresto can cause.

Entresto has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Precautions for Entresto” section.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Entresto treatment. Examples of Entresto’s commonly reported side effects include:

To learn more about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Entresto may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Entresto include:

  • cough
  • dizziness

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Entresto unless your doctor recommends it.

Entresto may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects are possible with Entresto. Serious side effects that have been reported with Entresto include:

  • angioedema (swelling under the skin)
  • high potassium level
  • kidney problems
  • low blood pressure
  • risk of fetal harm

If you develop serious side effects while taking Entresto, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

To learn more about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects explained” and “Precautions for Entresto” sections.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Entresto and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Entresto can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Entresto, they’ll decide whether you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Entresto, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Entresto’s side effects.

Is weight gain a side effect of Entresto?

No, Entresto isn’t known to cause weight gain. This wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of the drug. But it’s important to monitor your weight if you have heart failure. (Entresto is used in certain people with heart failure.) Gaining weight could be a sign that heart failure is getting worse.

If you have any sudden weight gain, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also, let your doctor know if you notice any swelling in your feet, ankles, lower legs, or abdomen.

Can Entresto cause different side effects in older adults?

No, Entresto has the same side effects when used in older adults (ages 65 years and older) than younger adults. In studies of Entresto, there weren’t any reported differences in side effects between older adults and younger adults.

If you have questions or concerns about taking Entresto based on your age, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects Entresto may cause.

High potassium level

Some people may develop a high potassium level in the blood while taking Entresto. This was a common side effect in studies of the drug.

If your potassium level is mildly high, you’re unlikely to have side effects. But a very high potassium level can cause symptoms, including:

What might help

Your doctor may want to monitor your potassium level while you’re taking Entresto. A mildly high level usually isn’t a reason for concern. But if you have any of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor right away.

If your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Kidney problems

Entresto may cause kidney problems. This was a common side effect reported in studies of the drug. In some cases, these problems can lead to kidney failure.

Kidney failure can cause symptoms such as:

  • confusion
  • producing only a small amount of urine
  • itchy or dry skin
  • nausea
  • swelling in the feet, ankles, or lower legs

What might help

Your doctor may monitor your kidney function during your Entresto treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms of kidney failure listed above, tell your doctor right away.

If tests show that your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should, your doctor may need to lower your dose of Entresto. In some cases, your doctor may have you stop taking Entresto temporarily while they treat your kidney problem.

If you’re concerned about kidney problems with Entresto, talk with your doctor before starting treatment.

Low blood pressure

Entresto can cause low blood pressure. In studies of the drug, this was the most common side effect.

Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

Fainting or feeling dizzy or lightheaded can lead to falls, which were also reported in the studies of Entresto.

What might help

If you experience any of the symptoms of low blood pressure listed above, let your doctor know. They may lower your Entresto dose. If you take any other medications that affect blood pressure, your doctor may adjust your dosage of those drugs as well.

Consider the following important information before starting Entresto.

Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm

Entresto has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm if taken during pregnancy. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

You should not take Entresto during pregnancy. This is because taking Entresto during pregnancy can cause harm to a fetus or pregnancy loss. If you become pregnant while taking Entresto, tell your doctor immediately and stop taking the drug as soon as possible.

If you can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about using birth control while taking Entresto.

Other precautions

Before taking Entresto, discuss your health history with your doctor. Entresto may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.