What is Verquvo?
Verquvo contains a soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sgc) stimulator. The stimulation of sgc (an enzyme that controls heart muscle) results in the relaxation and expansion of smooth muscles.Verquvo, a prescription medication used for adults with chronic heart failure, has an ejection factor (the amount of blood pumping each time the heart beats) of less than 45 percent. Verquvo reduces the chance of dying or being in the hospital.
When your heart becomes weak, it cannot pump enough blood to the lungs or rest of your system. Verquvo may be safe for children, but its effectiveness is unknown.
Warnings
If you use riociguat, Verquvo is not recommended.Vericiguat may cause birth defects. Avoid using Verquvo if pregnant. You should use effective birth control for one month following your last dose. Avoid unprotected sexual activity.
Before you take this drug
Verquvo should be avoided if you also take a medicine similar to riociguat.Verquvo should not be used if pregnant. Verquvo could cause birth defects or harm to the baby. You should use effective birth control during treatment and at least one month afterwards. Inform your doctor immediately if you have missed a period or if you think that you might be pregnant while on treatment.
Before starting the treatment, you will need a pregnancy test that is negative.Verquvo should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Verquvo?
Verquvo should be used exactly as directed by your physician. Please read the instructions on your medication label. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Take along your food.
You can crush a tablet to mix with water if you are unable to swallow it whole. Do not chew the mixture. Swallow it immediately. Don't save the mixture for future use.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for heart failure:
First dose: Take 2.5 mg once daily with food.
Maintaining dose: To maintain the target maintenance dose of 10mg daily, double the dose every two weeks.
Comments:
If the patient is having difficulty swallowing, you can crush and mix tablets with water.
Use: Reduce the risk of cardiac death or heart failure hospitalization after a hospitalization due to HF or the need for an outpatient IV diuretic in adults who have symptomatic chronic heart failure and an ejection fraction below 45%.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not forget to take the dose you missed. Continue to take your daily dose and your regular next dosage.Never take two doses on the same day.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Verquvo
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Verquvo, seek immediate medical attention: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count), pale skin or unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and cold hands or feet
Some of the most common side effects associated with Verquvo include:
- Anemia;
- Low blood pressure.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Erectile dysfunction medicines such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis Stendra, and other erectile disorders medications
The list below is not exhaustive. Vericiguat may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
