Arnisac 50

ARNISAC 50

ARNISAC 50 is a medication manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd., primarily used in the management of chronic heart failure.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: ARNISAC 50
  • Common Name: Sacubitril and Valsartan

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Sacubitril 24 mg and Valsartan 26 mg.

• Uses: ARNISAC 50 is prescribed for adults with chronic heart failure who have reduced ejection fraction, a condition where the heart's pumping ability is weakened. It helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization due to heart failure.
  • Relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
  • Improve heart efficiency and reduce fluid retention.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • ARNISAC 50 tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
  • It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maximize benefits.
  • The exact dosage and frequency will be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension), which can cause dizziness and light-headedness.
  • High potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), indicated by irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness.
  • Kidney dysfunction or decreased renal function.
  • Cough, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and weakness.
  • Fainting or a spinning sensation.
  • In rare cases, serious side effects like angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) can occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

• Precautions:

  • Contraindications: ARNISAC 50 is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to sacubitril or valsartan, severe liver disease, or those taking aliskiren with diabetes or kidney disease. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy, especially after the first three months, and is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Do not take ARNISAC 50 within 36 hours of taking an ACE inhibitor. It is generally not recommended for use in children.
  • Warnings: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment, kidney problems, or a history of angioedema. Patients should rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness due to low blood pressure. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if experiencing dizziness or tiredness. Alcohol consumption should be limited as it may exacerbate dizziness.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, including ACE inhibitors, other angiotensin receptor blockers, potassium-sparing diuretics, aliskiren, sildenafil, lithium, and potassium supplements, as interactions can occur.
  • Patients should limit salt intake as part of their heart failure management.

• Storage:

  • Store ARNISAC 50 in its original packaging to protect it from moisture.
  • Keep at room temperature, below 30°C (or between 10ºC to 25ºC).
  • Protect from moisture and light.
  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Do not use the medicine beyond its expiry date printed on the pack.

ARNISAC 50 by MANKIND PHARMA LTD is a medication containing Sacubitril (24 mg) and Valsartan (26 mg). It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs).

What is Arnisac 50 used for?

Arnisac 50 Tablet is primarily used to manage chronic heart failure in adults, particularly those with a weak heart pumping function, also known as reduced ejection fraction. This medication helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalizations related to heart failure. It may also be used in children above one year of age for heart failure treatment.

How does Arnisac 50 work?

Arnisac 50 contains two active components, Sacubitril and Valsartan, which work together to improve heart function. Sacubitril inhibits an enzyme called neprilysin, which is responsible for breaking down certain beneficial peptides that relax blood vessels and reduce fluid retention. By blocking neprilysin, sacubitril increases the levels of these peptides, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and improved kidney function. Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and promotes salt and water retention. Together, these actions help to relax blood vessels, remove excess fluid, reduce the strain on the heart, and make it easier for the heart to pump blood efficiently throughout the body.

What is the usual dosage of Arnisac 50?

The dosage and frequency of Arnisac 50 are determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It is typically taken as a tablet, swallowed whole with a glass of water, and can be taken with or without food. It's crucial not to alter your dosage without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Arnisac 50?

Common side effects of Arnisac 50 include low blood pressure (hypotension), high potassium levels (hyperkalaemia), kidney dysfunction, cough, dizziness, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. If you experience dizziness, it's advised to sit or lie down until the symptoms subside, and if diarrhea occurs, taking the medicine with food might help. If any side effects worsen or persist, you should consult your doctor.

Is Arnisac 50 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Arnisac 50 is contraindicated during pregnancy, especially after the first three months, as it may cause serious harm to the unborn baby. It is also not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as the drug may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Can Arnisac 50 be taken with other medications?

Arnisac 50 can interact with several other medications. It should not be taken with ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril) due to an increased risk of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) and low blood pressure; a gap of at least 36 hours is required between taking an ACE inhibitor and Arnisac 50. Concomitant use with aliskiren (a blood pressure-lowering medicine) can lead to low blood pressure, high potassium levels, and decreased kidney function, especially in patients with diabetes or kidney disease. Other medications that may interact include other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride), potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), lithium, and sildenafil. Always inform your doctor about all medications, herbal preparations, and supplements you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken while using Arnisac 50:

• Kidney and Liver Function: Caution is advised for patients with kidney or liver problems, and regular monitoring of kidney function is essential. It is contraindicated in severe liver disease.
• Low Blood Pressure: Arnisac 50 can cause dizziness or light-headedness due to low blood pressure. To avoid dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Angioedema: Inform your doctor if you have a history of angioedema.
• Alcohol: It is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect and risk of dizziness.
• Diet: Limiting salt intake can help reduce fluid build-up and pressure on the heart.
• Driving and Machinery: Arnisac 50 may cause dizziness or tiredness, so avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you forget to take your Arnisac 50 Tablet at the scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should it be stored?

Arnisac 50 Tablet should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from moisture. Store it at room temperature, typically below 30°C or between 20-25°C, and away from sunlight. Ensure it is kept out of the reach and sight of children.