Dose, potential side effects, alternative options, and additional details about Verquvo
In a significant development for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the FDA has approved Verquvo, a brand-name medication containing the active drug vericiguat. This oral tablet is designed to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in adults with HFrEF who meet certain criteria.
Verquvo is prescribed for adults with HFrEF who have heart failure symptoms, an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 45%, have been recently hospitalized due to HFrEF, or need treatment with intravenous (IV) diuretics as an outpatient.
The recommended starting dosage of Verquvo for HFrEF is 2.5 mg once per day for the first two weeks, which may be increased every two weeks until reaching the target maintenance dosage of 10 mg once per day. It is important to note that Verquvo may interact with other soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and other medications.
Verquvo should be taken with food, and it is not available in generic form. It is also worth mentioning that Verquvo is not a controlled substance and requires a prescription.
If you miss a dose of Verquvo, take it as soon as possible that day, but do not take two doses on the same day. If you think you have taken too much Verquvo, call your doctor or the poison control center immediately.
It is crucial to note that Verquvo has a boxed warning from the FDA due to the risk of fetal harm. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should not take Verquvo. Similarly, if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, you should not take Verquvo.
Entresto, a key alternative to Verquvo, offers a dual mechanism distinct from Verquvo. Other standard treatments commonly used for HFrEF include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (e.g., Jardiance).
Vericiguat is typically considered an add-on therapy to the existing standard of care (SoC) for HFrEF patients at high risk of hospitalization or death, rather than a replacement for these foundational treatments. This array of options allows personalized treatment plans in managing chronic HFrEF.
Verquvo was approved by the FDA in 2021, providing a new tool in the fight against HFrEF. As with any medication, it is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Health-and-wellness deciders may consider Verquvo, a new drug approved by the FDA in 2021, as an add-on therapy for adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who meet specific criteria. This medication, prescribed in the form of an oral tablet, is designed to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in these patients. It's crucial to discuss potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider, as Verquvo may interact with other medications and has a boxed warning due to the risk of fetal harm.
Individuals managing medical-conditions such as hypertension, or conditions related to cardiovascular health, might find Verquvo useful in their health-and-wellness routine, as it is primarily considered an add-on therapy to the existing standard of care for HFrEF patients at high risk of hospitalization or death.
In light of the new FDA approval, science continues to advance in the treatment of HFrEF, offering health-and-wellness deciders a broader range of options for personalized treatment plans and better management of chronic heart conditions.
