What should patients avoid while taking Valsartan/Sacubitril?

Valsartan/Sacubitril is a medication used primarily for the treatment of heart failure. One of the key considerations when prescribing this combination drug is the potential for kidney effects and potassium level abnormalities.

Patients should avoid using NSAIDs while taking Valsartan/Sacubitril due to the risk these medications pose in relation to renal function. NSAIDs can decrease renal blood flow and impair kidney function, which can be particularly dangerous in patients on Valsartan/Sacubitril. This combination already has the potential to raise serum potassium levels; by adding NSAIDs into the mix, the risk of acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia increases.

While high potassium foods, beta blockers, and calcium supplements may also require caution depending on the individual patient profile, NSAIDs pose a direct risk to the effectiveness of Valsartan/Sacubitril and its protective effects on the kidneys. Therefore, avoiding NSAIDs is a crucial recommendation for patients on this medication.