Side Effects' Impact and Strategies for Management at Various Levels
In the realm of cardiovascular treatments, Verquvo (vericiguat) is a medication that has been gaining attention. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about its potential side effects.
One of the most commonly reported side effects during Verquvo treatment is low blood pressure, or hypotension. Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue. Another notable side effect is anemia, characterised by low red blood cell levels, which can manifest as headache, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, pale-looking skin, and a sore tongue.
Less common side effects, though not extensively detailed in the provided search results, may include dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea), and headache. These are sometimes reported with similar cardiovascular drugs affecting the nitric oxide pathway.
It's important to note that an allergic reaction to Verquvo is possible, although it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug's clinical trial. Symptoms can be mild or serious.
Verquvo carries a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm, making it unsuitable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you can become pregnant, your doctor will typically have you take a pregnancy test before you start Verquvo treatment and recommend using birth control during treatment and for at least one month after your last dose of Verquvo.
If you become pregnant while taking Verquvo, it's crucial to discuss this with your doctor. If you and your doctor agree to continue Verquvo treatment during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drug's pregnancy exposure registry.
In terms of dosage, the starting dosage of Verquvo is usually 2.5 mg once daily, and it may be increased to 5 mg or 10 mg based on the patient's response and health status.
It's also worth mentioning that Verquvo and Entresto have different side effects due to their different mechanisms of action. While Entresto can cause side effects such as cough, high potassium, and kidney problems, Verquvo is not expected to cause these.
Before you start taking Verquvo, it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medications that you take. Verquvo may not be the right treatment option for you if you take another sGC stimulator, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
Lastly, older adults may have a higher risk of developing side effects due to preexisting medical conditions. Higher doses of Verquvo may increase the risk and severity of side effects.
If you experience any side effects that last longer or become severe, consult a doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about the risk of fetal harm from taking Verquvo, talk with your doctor. If you have concerns about drinking alcohol while taking Verquvo, discuss them with your doctor, especially if you have heart failure.
