Key takeaways
Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) and Farxiga (dapagliflozin) are both medications used to help manage heart failure, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Entresto is an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) specifically approved for treating heart failure in people ages 1 year and older. It combines two medications, sacubitril and valsartan, to help relax blood vessels and improve heart function. Farxiga, on the other hand, is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor primarily used to lower blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. It also helps reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease. Entresto is taken twice daily, while Farxiga is taken once daily. Entresto is not available as a generic, whereas Farxiga has a lower-cost generic option. Common side effects of Entresto include low blood pressure and dizziness, while Farxiga may cause yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and increased urination. Entresto should not be taken with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, while Farxiga can interact with other diabetes medications and with diuretics.
