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Compare Entresto vs. Valsartan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) and Diovan (valsartan) are both used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Entresto is an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), while Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Entresto is specifically approved for heart failure in adults and children over 1 year old, whereas Diovan is also used for high blood pressure and to lower the risk of heart-related problems after a heart attack. Entresto is taken twice a day and is only available as a branded medication, while Diovan can be taken once or twice a day and is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Entresto include low blood pressure, high potassium levels, and dizziness, while Diovan may cause dizziness and fatigue. Both medications can raise potassium levels, so you should be cautious about taking them with other medications that do the same. Both medications should not be taken with other ARBs or ACE inhibitors.

  • Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan)
    Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan)
    Valsartan (Diovan)

  • Summary of Entresto vs. Valsartan

    Summary for Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)
    Prescription only

    Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan) is a combination medication called an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI). It's used for heart failure in adults and children ages 1 year and older. It helps lower the risk of hospital stays and heart-related death in adults with heart failure. You usually take the medication by mouth twice a day. Entresto is available as tablets. It also comes as Entresto Sprinkle, which are capsules you open and mix the pellets inside with soft food. Side effects include low blood pressure and cough. As of early 2025, there's no generic version of this medication.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Valsartan, also known by its brand name, Diovan, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It's also used to lower the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or in adults after a heart attack. Valsartan (Diovan) is available as a lower-cost generic and comes as a tablet and liquid. The dosage depends on your condition, but it's typically taken by mouth once or twice per day. Potential side effects of valsartan (Diovan) include dizziness and fatigue.

  • Indications of Entresto vs. Valsartan

    Indications for
    •Heart failure in people ages 1 year or older
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults
    •Lower the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Entresto vs. Valsartan

    Pros and Const for Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)
    Pros
    •First-choice treatment for some people with heart failure
    •Can lower the risk of hospital visits related to heart failure in adults
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Available as tablets, oral pellets, or a prepared oral solution
    Cons
    •Need to take twice daily
    •Can cause dizziness and low blood pressure
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack for many people
    •Taken typically once per day, but sometimes twice per day
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid
    •Can be used in children
    Cons
    •Takes about 2-4 weeks to see full benefits of valsartan (Diovan) for high blood pressure
    •Might not work as well for Black people
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can raise potassium levels

  • Common Side Effects of Entresto vs. Valsartan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure (18%)
    •High potassium levels (12%)
    •Cough (9%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Kidney problems (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took valsartan for high blood pressure.

  • Warnings of Entresto vs. Valsartan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Swelling of face, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Entresto vs. Valsartan

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